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The individuals behind Kiprotich’s incredible success
Olympic and World marathon champion Kiprotich was humbled to meet the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, yesterday. Photo by Geoffrey Sseruyange.
What you need to know:
By winning the World Championship gold medal in Moscow, Kiprotich confirmed his place as the greatest sportsman in Ugandan history. Previously, the mantle was held by John Akii-Bua who made history by setting a new world record en route to winning gold at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
They will often go unnoticed. Their presence is be muted. They will always prepare the champion but keep in his or her shadows. They may never get the glare of publicity like the eventual winner.
It is common among many victors across the globe for their feats draw more attention than preparations. There are many figures, both known and unheeded behind the success of Stephen Kiprotich.
Patricia Cherop Kiprotich
Behind every successful man is a woman, so goes the saying. Imaginably without Patricia Cherop, Uganda would still look at 1972 Munich Olympics gold medalist, the late John Akii-Bua, as her greatest athlete ever.
Their bond is the main cause for the country’s delight. “He is a hardworking and loving man. He is also prayerful,” Cherop once said after her husband won the London Olympics marathon. “Whenever he goes for national and international races, he saves some money to buy meat and clothes for the family.”
The two met back in 2005 and now have three children Esther Chebet, Elliot Musao, and latest inclusion two-month old baby Elizabeth Chelangat.
It is apparent the pair ought to keep together if Kiprotich is to keep making the podium at different tournaments.
Peter Sang
The Kenyan is the main tactical brain behind Kiprotich’s triumphs both in London and Moscow.
After the 24-year-old won gold on the last day of the London Olympics, Sang became a sports minister in the Uasin Gishu County while the assistant coach Richard Metu took the mantle Kenyan national team.
Sang’s presence went unnoticed by many as Kiprotich was being crowned 2012 Uspa Sports Personality of the Year at Imperial Royale Hotel early this year. It is an award he is expected to win again this year.
Jackson Kiprop and Abraham Kiplimo
Kiprotich’s well-articulated race on the Moscow streets is in no small part owed to the work of teammates Jackson Kiprop and Abraham Kiplimo.
Mumbai Marathon winner Kiprop broke down the opposition with tough pace between 15 and 30km before his Uganda Prisons’ workmate won the 42km in a time of 2:09.51 on Saturday.
“I thank him. While he was busy fighting with the Kenyans and Ethiopians, I was behind gauging their strength.” Kiprotich said of Kiprop who finished 10th.
Prior to that show, the trio had trained in Chirchir, eastern Kenya under Sang’s tutelage.
Godfrey Nuwagaba
From those who know him well, Nuwagaba’s love for athletics is indisputable. His sharp eyes and kind hands have brought many stars to the scene.
The Uganda Athletics Federation treasurer fetched the likes of Moses Kipsiro, Boniface Kiprop and Kiprotich himself from nothing to worldwide fame.
Prior to the London Olympics last year, Nuwagaba was a key factor in ensuring Kiprotich moved to Eldoret for further training before going on to beat Kenyans Wilson Kipsang and Abel Mutai to the podium.
Nuwagaba is one of the golden boy’s managers not forgetting Global Sports Communications official Dutchman Jurrie Van De Velden. They secured Kiprotich the Granollers Half Marathon in Spain and London Marathon early this year.
