This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
Kenya's top athletes, including Brigid Kosgei, Lawrence Cherono, and Eliud Kipchoge, have returned home to a cold reception despite their outstanding performances in the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019.
Brigid Kosgei, the newly-crowned world marathon record holder, returned to the country on Tuesday, October 15, night to a low-key reception by her family members. She was later treated to a reception at Riadha House by Athletics Kenya led by president Jackson Tuwe on Wednesday, October 16.
Lawrence Cherono, the Chicago Marathon champion, arrived at the Eldoret Airport on Wednesday, October 16, to a muted reception by a handful of his family members. They sang and danced to traditional songs and treated him to traditional mursik.
Eliud Kipchoge, the greatest man in the history of athletics, sneaked back into the country and went straight to his home in Eldoret. Others who returned home include athletes who participated in the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019, including Ruth Chepngetich and Conseslus Kipruto.
The government has planned a major reception for all the athletes who competed in the Chicago Marathon, World Athletics Championship, and for Eliud Kipchoge. However, the question remains: when will we start to truly celebrate our own champions, not just on social media, before they are poached by other countries?
