This archive report was first published on 29 September 2019.
Ruth Chepngetich, a 25-year-old Kenyan athlete, made history on September 28, 2019, by winning Kenya's gold medal in the 2019 IAAF World Championships held in Doha, Qatar.
With a time of 2:32:43, Chepngetich outshone her Ethiopian competitors, securing Kenya's first gold medal in the event.
According to Chepngetich, the intense competition did not deter her from achieving her goal. She credited the cool weather, which was a result of the water-soaked track, for helping her stay focused and win the race.
"Mbio hiyo ilikuwa ma ushindani mkali lakini sikufa moyo. Sikuweza kuiondoa kwa akili yangu kuwa nitakuwa mshindi. Nilitumia tu maji kunisaidia kupata ubaridi," Chepngetich said in an interview.
Chepngetich's victory marked a significant milestone in her career, which has seen her win several notable races, including the 2017 Istanbul Marathon and the 2020 Dubai Marathon.