This archive report was first published on 31 August 2021.
Nancy Chelangat Koech, a 26-year-old visually impaired athlete from Kenya, made history by winning the nation's first Paralympic Games medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
On August 30, 2021, Chelangat, guided by her brother Geoffrey Kiplangat Rotich, secured a bronze medal in the 1,500 meters T11 class at the National Stadium in Tokyo.
Chelangat's infectious smile radiated the media 'mixed zone' after the medal ceremony, as she finally felt the weight of a nation off her brave shoulders.
Her parents back home in Londiani were in constant touch, showering them with prayer, and Chelangat's answer to what she would tell them now that she had a medal was quick, brief, and to the point: 'Let them read Isaiah 40 verse one.'
Chelangat's faith remained strong, certain that with God by her side, she wasn't about to let an expectant nation down.
She had added a bronze medal to the silver she won over the distance at the Rio 2016 Games in her current personal best 4:42.12.
Chelangat's brother, Geoffrey, explained that he had pushed her to the limit, telling her to be strong and save Team Kenya, and that they had almost lost hope but managed to secure a medal in the last lap.
Chelangat corroborated the game plan, thanking her brother for the tactics and motivation that guided her to her second Paralympic Games podium.
