This archive report was first published on 13 October 2019.
On a chilly morning in Kapsisiywo village, Nandi County, a historic moment unfolded as Eliud Kipchoge embarked on a marathon that would redefine the limits of human endurance. His mother, Janet Rotich, stood by his side, her heart filled with pride and faith.
As the clock ticked towards the 1 hour, 59 seconds mark, Rotich held her chest with her right hand, her eyes fixed on her son. Alongside her sat Kipchoge's uncle, Paul Songol, who reassured her that her son would succeed in his quest.
When Kipchoge crossed the finish line, Rotich broke into tears, not out of sadness, but out of pride and joy. Her son had fulfilled his promise to inspire millions of people across the world with his philosophy of 'no human is limited.'
"I prayed and fasted for him to achieve what God had planned for the family, and Kipchoge has made me the mother of athletes," Rotich said, beaming with pride as she held a trophy won by her son in the world championship in 2003.
As the news of Kipchoge's achievement spread, jubilation erupted in the village. Eunice Jeruto, Kipchoge's sister, led the celebration, chanting her brother's name and admiring the golden trophies that decorated the vicinity.
Jeruto described her brother as a courageous man who is a descendant of the legendary Koitalel Samoei, the Nandi Oloibon who led the community in a prolonged fight against the British colonialists.
"Our son has done what no one has ever done, he has finished the race and kept the faith. God has enabled him to achieve and prove to humanity that no human is limited," Jeruto said, holding her mother tightly.
