Stable Edna hails family influence on her career, eyes more success

Two- time World Marathon champion Edna Kiplagat is still yearning to represent Kenya at the global stage as she aims to add a third World Championships gold in her glittering career.

The veteran athlete aged 39, won Kenya gold medals at the 2011 and 2013 World championships before settling for silver in 2017 competition held in London, United Kingdom.

The seasoned Kiplagat is however still envisaging an opportunity to make it three wins as the 2019 World championships beckons in Doha, Qatar in September.

“I have been there before(world championships) where I have won two times and if I am given an opportunity to once again represent my country then I will be happy because I want to win a third gold medal,” said Kiplagat.

Kiplagat who commands over two decades in the sport has always been a present figure at the World Marathon Majors where she has bagged three Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) series awards.

“I am happy with my achievements at the World Marathon Majors and I am still striving for more. This year I expect to participate in one of the races.  I am going to sit down with my coach and manager then we will see which one I can take part in,” Kiplagat added.

The soft spoken athlete who hails from Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet county failed to defend her Boston Marathon Crown when she finished ninth in 2:47:14 as she fall a victim of the adverse weather conditions which ruined her title defence.

“Last season I went to Boston and although the weather was not favourable due to the rain, I am happy that I remained healthy and I’ve also had enough rest. I hope to have a good season ahead,” Kiplagat said.

With his husband Gilbert Koech doubling up as her coach, Kiplagat said the prospect of working together as a family in training gives her extra motivation and has urged young athletes to also take their families seriously if they want to succeed in their careers.

“We have been training with my husband since I started competing in road races and I can attest that it has been a wonderful experience especially after he (her husband) went on to study  nutrition which has played a critical in my career.

I would urge young athletes to also focus on their families first because when you have a stable family then you will definitely succeed in your athletics career,” added Kiplagat.