Heroic Kosgei returns, attributes London conquest to proper preps

Newly crowned London marathon champion Brigid Kosgei jetted back to the country early Tuesday to a high-level welcome at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after her exploits in the English capital.

Kosgei improved on her second-place performance in 2018 to win the race on Sunday in two hours 18 minutes and 20 seconds and consequently lowering her Personal Best (PB) by 15 seconds.

The 25-year-old who may have not been carrying the favourite tag –  prevailed in a strong field that for once had the winners of the past four World Marathon Majors races – Vivian Cheruiyot (London), Gladys Cherono (Berlin), Mary Keitany (New York City) and herself –,  the winner of Chicago marathon.

Kosgei however put in a classical performance as she dethroned Cheruiyot who came in second in 2:20:14.

“At first, I think we somehow feared one another because in the first 21km everybody was cautious to make the first move which I think slowed our times,” said Kosgei.

The athlete who trains at Kapsait in Elgeyo Marakwet County attributed her win to adequate preparations prior to the race although she did not expect to hit a new PB.

“I had prepared well and I also had no fears because my target was to win. Of course I wanted to improve on my PB but I was not certain that I would have achieved that time,” she explained.

At hand to receive her at the airport were the Ministry of Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed and Principal Secretary Kirimi Kaberia who were equally present in London when she conquered the course.

Mohammed praised Kosgei for her prowess and promised continued government support to the athletes.

“Kenya through our athletes proved that we are the greatest sporting nation in the world.  We are proud of them and for Brigid we will continue supporting and facilitating her to make sure that she continues shining,” said Mohammed.

Also present were the Athletics Kenya officials led by the president Lt. Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, CEO Susan Kamau and Nairobi branch chairman Barnabas Korir.