Blind Kenyan Athlete Shines as Brother Guides Her in Tokyo Paralympics

Chelangat and Kiplangat
Nancy Chelangat And Geoffrey Kipchoge Running Side By Side During Tokyo Paralympics

Kenyan athlete Nancy Chelangat won the country’s first medal in the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics while running the final race showcasing stride and improvement. 

The 26-year-old, a person living with a visual disability, won a bronze medal for the country in the T11 category for the women’s 1500m race on Monday, August 30. 

It was a special moment for her as she has run alongside her blood brother, Geoffrey Kiplangat, with their bond warming the world's hearts. 

Chelangat and Kiplangat
Nancy Chelangat Koech And Geoffrey Kiplangat While Showcasing Bronze Medals

Geoffrey stated that he had his professional ambitions where he used to compete up to provincial levels but shelved his plans to help his blind sister. 

He endured pain in the race as he mentioned that he was not in a good state of health due to a stomach upset. Although, he gave his best effort while with-holding the matter to Chelangat. 

Kiplangat went ahead to narrate why the performance showcase saying, “We started well but in the middle of the race, my sister was not moving so as we approached the finished line and we had even lost hope.

"I talked to her and urged her to keep going to at least win a medal and I am happy she delivered," 

She clocked 4:45.58 taking bronze behind South African Coetzee Louzane who won silver while  Mexican Rodriguez Saavedra broke the world record at 4:37:0.

In the semi-final race, Chelangat came in fourth setting today’s race as an outstanding improvement. The race saw her come at 4:51:0. 

She had much anticipation of improving her performance from the 2016 Rio’s race by taking home gold.

The race was tough for the racers due to the high humidity that took a toll on them.

“I was feeling tired in the last lap but my brother who is also my guide encouraged me to just try push and kick in the remaining 200m so that I at least can be in the medal bracket. I managed to give it my all and overtook the Polish and won bronze. I am grateful for the medal," Chelangat narrated. 

Guards stand next to a logo signifying the olympics
Guards stand next to a logo signifying the olympics.
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