Four-time Olympic Champion Mercy Cherono has vowed to light up in this athletic season after her two-year break to attend to family and job-related affairs.
Mercy Cherono, a beacon of hope in Kenyan long-distance running, disappeared from the track limelight but has assured her fans that she is now ready to grace both local and international track events with pride and win medals for the country.
Cherono, who trains in Kericho, is a two-time world junior champion in the 3000 meters in 2008 and 2010 and has won gold medals at the 2010 World Youth Championships in Athletics and 2014 Commonwealth Youth Games.
The 34-year-old athlete was also a serial cross-country runner, having won silver in 2009 in the World Cross Country Championships and in 2010 in the World Junior Championships.
In an interview with KNA at the Kericho Teachers Training grounds following her speed work training with upcoming athletes, Cherono said she is happy with her progress in the races that she had competed in this year.
“I am really progressing well in my training. Running is my passion and I will not get tired. I really appreciate my fans who have been following me and for those who are asking if I am still running, the answer is yes and I want to promise them I will do my best, “ said Cherono
Cherono went on maternity leave in 2023 and, being a National Police officer, went on studies at Kiganjo Police Training College in 2024 and has not been competing much.
The mother of one was in action at the National Police Cross-Country Championships held in Ngong this year, where she finished eighth and towards the end of 2024 she competed at the Kericho Betika Cross Country and the Bingwafest in Eldoret.
She admitted that training has not been easy, especially during the 2024 season but she had to show up and pursue what she loves best.
“After my maternity leave, it was not that easy since you have to shed a lot of fat, and then you now start concentrating on the training programme. It is not easy and it is not something you can start in a day,” said Cherono.
For now, Cherono is focusing on competing in the road races scheduled in the Athletics Kenya (AK) World Athletics calendar of events for the 2024/2025 season.
By Sarah Njagi
