Peres Jepchirchir secured Kenya's third gold in the ongoing 2020 Tokyo Olympics after winning the women's marathon in Sapporo, Japan on Saturday, August 7.
Jepchirchir crossed the line in 2:27:20, her season-best time, finishing ahead of compatriot and world record holder Brigid Kosgei who won a silver medal.
Kosgei was 16 seconds behind Jepchirchir with USA's Molly Seidel coming third. Seidel got bronze and imprinted her name in the Olympics as she was a newcomer having moved up from shorter distances.
"It feels good. I am excited because we won as Kenya. First and second. I thank my God so much. I’m happy for my family. I’m happy for my country, Kenya."
"I pushed on the pace (and when I opened the gap) it was like, 'wow, I’m going to make it. I’m going to win'," the two-time half marathon champion stated after embracing Kosgei, both waving the Kenyan flag higher.
ODM leader Raila Odinga and Baringo Senator led the plaudits for the two female athletes.
Odinga stated: "Kenyans stayed up to witness you showcase world-beating skills and you came through. You have done the country proud."
"Kudos to Peres Jepchirchir on the masterful display of distance running to win the Gold Medal and Brigid Kosgei for the Silver Medal in the Olympic Marathon."
Moi added that Jepchirchir had exuded the true Kenyan spirit, the spirit of perseverance and ultimate victory.
Kenya joined Japan as the only countries to win back-to-back gold medals in the event. Prior to the marathon, Kenya's Faith Kipyegon had bagged gold in the women's 1500m on Friday, August 6.
Emmanuel Korir won Kenya's first gold on August 4 after finishing first in the men's 800m.
