Hello

Your subscription is almost coming to an end. Don’t miss out on the great content on Nation.Africa

Ready to continue your informative journey with us?

Hello

Your premium access has ended, but the best of Nation.Africa is still within reach. Renew now to unlock exclusive stories and in-depth features.

Reclaim your full access. Click below to renew.

Jurrie believes Cheptegei can become the greatest ever

Jurrie van der Velden (L) interacts with Joshua Cheptegei in Kapchorwa in 2019. PHOTO/NN RUNNING TEAM

What you need to know:

Our relationship was evaluated over the years. We have been working together for 10-11 years and as most you start with a developmental relationship, which through time becomes a guiding relationship and eventually mentor relationship.

WHAT A LEGACY! Two decades ago, Uganda fed on crumbs of the limelight in the global long-distance running area. East African neighbours Kenya and Ethiopia were on top but today, Uganda is part of that conversation. Key to that change was the investment made by Dutch company Global Sports Communication (GSC) in Uganda. Jurrie van der Velden began that work in 2007 and 17 years down the road, he has created a system and a team which has produced champions including Uganda’s greatest ever - Joshua Cheptegei. By landing four of Uganda’s five Olympic gold medals (bar John Akii-Bua’s 1972 Munich gold over the 400 metre hurdles) in history, Jurrie has sadly departed athletics to start a new role at Feyenoord Football Club Academy back home in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Our man on athletics Darren Allan Kyeyune had a chat with Jurrie about the highs and lows of a beautiful journey in Uganda’s athletics.

First of all, how would you describe Uganda?

“It is a very green country, with beautiful nature and wildlife and friendly people. Uganda has developed tremendously over the last 17 years that I have visited in many ways, road, economy, and industry etc.”

What was your experience on the first time you visited Uganda?

“I started working with Ugandan athletes back in 2007. The first time for me to visit the country was in February 2008. I didn’t know what to expect as I didn’t have much experience in my work and neither in Africa, Uganda was the first African country I visited.”

How easy or difficult was it for you to help Global Sports Communication (GSC) set up base in Uganda?

“Starting something new from scratch never is easy, it always comes with challenges. It was a journey which took years to take shape. You have to remember there was no organized system or whatsoever in place. Not through managers, nor through Uganda Athletics Federation or government. So when I started, it was just individuals doing their utmost best to help but a not-organized set up. That took years to build, to understand the country and the people. I was lucky to have, the late, Godfrey Nuwagaba by my side, who guided me along the way.”

Indeed, it’s been quite a journey. Who were the first athletes you worked with in Uganda?

“We started working with two athletes initially, Benjamin Kiplagat and Stephen Kiprotich. Benjamin we flew in to pace the 3000-metre steeplechase race in Hengelo, Netherlands in 2007 as we needed a pacer and a former GSC athlete, Mike Kipyego (a steeplechaser himself) knew Benjamin and recommended him. Benjamin had already finished fifth at the World Junior Cross that year in Mombasa, Kenya. Stephen came for two track meets at first. Both were sponsored by Puma, at the time, who helped us to fly them in and support them.”

Which was the first medal which Global or GSC won from a Ugandan athlete?

“I believe the first medal won by an Ugandan GSC athlete was Benjamin Kiplagat winning silver at the 2008 World Junior Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland. I clearly remember that race. By then I got to know Benjamin pretty well, knowing he would always start (too) fast and towards the end pay the price for it. So we made a plan, I thought, to leave the first kilometer to others to lead and then take over to avoid hitting a wall three-quarter way in to the race. But as soon as the gun goes, Benjamin took off like a rocket and lost gold by less than two seconds. Of course, the first Ugandan medal at a World Junior made us all proud; proving the choice to set foot in Uganda to try and build a group was the right decision.”

In 2012, Stephen Kiprotich won the marathon gold medal on the final day of the London Olympics in England. Please relieve this day for us. What happened? What did you do or plan with him for him to clinch that medal ahead of the Kenyans?

“The 2012 London Olympic Games marathon was a very special race indeed for many reasons. The Kenyan team was by far the favourite with superstars such as Emmanuel Mutai, Abel Kirui and Wilson Kipsang as well as Ethiopia with three 2:04-hour athletes representing their nation. But also, other big names where present including Meb Keflezighi, Viktor Röthlin, Marilson dos Santos to name a few. No one was interested or thinking of Stephen who only had a 2:07-hr personal best (PB) behind his name. As always, one or two days before the race, I would have a call with Stephen’s coach, Patrick Sang, to get the latest updates on his view of Stephen’s training, mental and to discuss the best possible plan and approach for Stephen. I remember Patrick being very positive about Stephen’s current form and calling him an outsider for a medal, something few would believe. Stephen had been training with Emmanuel Mutai leading up to London so Patrick had good insight of what was required to medal. The basics for Stephen that day was to run his own race and leave the course to do the work, with some twists and turns and up and downs en-route we believed the race would be decided in the latter stages. Once the gun went off, it were the Kenyans who took control early, Stephen just running his own race. To everyone’s surprise Kipsang took charge very early in the race and started to pull away from the field. Probably, Kipsang should have won but was he over-confident and towards 30km started to pay the price. Stephen came up from behind over taking both Kirui and Kipsang who were running together at, I believe, the 37-38km stage. That was a real emotional day and moment. The 2013 Moscow World Championships was another milestone memory. I remember that Vinne Los, our physio, and I walked to the hotel where the Ugandan team was staying, a huge hotel. And approaching the building we saw a Ugandan flag hanging out of the window, the only window in the whole building where we could see some colors. Getting closer to the building, we realized it was Stephen’s room which he was was sharing with Jackson Kiprop. That day Stephen won gold again this time at the World Champs in Russia.”

New Content Item (1)
New Content Item (1)

Having spent about five years in Uganda, how important was Kiprotich’s Olympic gold in Global’s plans for Uganda?

“It changed everything. We never worked off big budgets, but after Stephen’s win in London of course it gave me more support that GSC seen return on the investments made and that we where building something unique in a “new” long distance running country. Before, it was only traditionally Kenya and Ethiopia. Now an odd Ugandan took that spot. It enabled to take more athletes on board as also race organizers started to believe more in the project and the work we did in Uganda. So it started to snowball from there.”

How would described Stephen Kiprotich as an individual? And do you think he could have achieved more than London 2012 Olympics and 2013 Moscow Worlds gold medals?

“The way I know Stephen is that it was always a pleasure for me to work with him. He understood very well where I could help him, where coach Sang could help him, Vinne could help him etc. and he valued each person in his or her own field of expertise. He was not a leader but more of a humble athlete. In my opinion, Stephen can be very proud of his career; he achieved more than most people ever will and ever thought he would. He opened the eyes of the current generation, show them that Ugandans can run and do well. He may not have been the most talented but he was a hard worker and good listener to tactical plans and well in executing them. Could he have achieved more? Probably yes but he had an international career of about 15 years all together, something most athletes can only dream of. People should not forget that from 2012 Stephen’s live became much more complicated after winning Olympic Gold. He was alone, carrying the whole Ugandan nation on his back. No other athletes even close.”

Around 2013, new faces like Ronald Musagala emerged. Young middle-distance runners Halimah Nakaayi and Winnie Nanyondo had too come up. How would you describe Uganda’s journey of athletics at that time?

“The year 2012 also brought us the World Junior Championships in Barcelona, Spain. That is where I got to meet Halimah and Winnie. They did pretty well; I believe Halimah made it to the semi-finals and Winnie even to the finals. It was new for Uganda to have middle distance runners at that stage. Till then it was only Abraham Chepkirwork who was active at the highest level in another event then 5000m-10000m or cross-country. The three events were the typical “Ugandan” events. I remember telling a UAF official about Stephen making his marathon debut in 2011, the response I got was; ‘Ugandan’s don’t run marathon, they can only run 5000m and cross-country’. A year later that official was celebrating like he won the medal himself. For us bringing in Ugandan middle-distance runners was really an interesting new step. The group was Kampala-based (not the typical Mount Elgon) and we started working with Raphael Kasaija - the coach of the group, who had mentored them thus far. In 2013, Ronald Musagala broke through the 1500-metre event, running 1:45 minutes in Kampala and by doing so qualifying for the 2013 Moscow Worlds, now having three athletes in the same event in the same training group allowed us to invest a little more money and time to grow the group and their potential.”

The late Godfrey Nuwagaba played a key role in helping you and your organization to get young talents. How pivotal was he in helping Global set up in Uganda?

“I dare to say that without the late Nuwagaba on our side in the early years we would not have been where we are today and Ugandan long-distance running neither. The new generation might not know Nuwagaba but only heard his name, but he was so key and instrumental to Ugandan athletics. After he passed away, Nuwagaba left a big gap for us to fill.”

Let’s move to Joshua Cheptegei. How was your first-ever encounter like with him?

“I got to know Joshua back in 2014 when he ran well in Uganda twice in four weeks or so if I remember correctly. I believe he first run well in the World University Cross-country Championships in Entebbe and a month later in Kampala during the African Junior Cross-country Championships. It was coach Kasaija who messaged me that we should give this new guy, Joshua, a chance he would be a good addition in mostly the 10000 metres. So we got him a chance in the TCS Bangalore 10km in India in late May 2014. It was there when I meet Joshua for the first time. Just a humble young slender guy, one with a lot of questions and eager to learn in that sense he stood out as most Ugandan athletes would be really shy. That Sunday of May 2014, he amazed me and the world, by finishing second in a highly competitive 10km road race behind Geoffrey Kamworor. It was clear he was destined for something big to come.”

How would you describe your personal relationship with Cheptegei?

Our relationship was evaluated over the years. We have been working together for 10-11 years and as most you start with a developmental relationship, which through time becomes a guiding relationship and eventually mentor relationship. He developed really well understanding how the international athletics world works, what it required him to do well within it and being able to leave a mark (both on and off the track). Work related, we have had a very close relationship and he has always been very interested and accepting in the plans and philosophy, yet asking the right questions or remarks. If it didn’t sit well with him, then we would find a solution. Off the track, we had a good relationship. I feel I visited his home and family on many occasions and, especially in the early stages, he shared a lot about investments he would make and we would discuss the ideas he had. Obviously the latter, through the years started to dilute and he would do more on his own.” 

What did it take to build Uganda’s greatest athlete ever Cheptegei?

“In the end, no one can do this alone. It takes expertise, a key team that works closely together every step on the way; starting with a highly talented athlete (Joshua), a smart and motivated coach (Addy Ruiter), a committed and intelligent physio (Vinne) and a manager who keeps it all together and put the interests of Joshua in the first place (myself). Besides these four individuals, of course there is a host of other people helping such as coaches and staff on ground in both Uganda and the Netherlands. Or we would bring Dutch expertise to Uganda if necessary. But in general all the key decisions on Joshua’s career and how to approach the next step/phase were always discussed amongst the four of us, with equal input, in order to have a 360 view on the situation. Through the years the bond, the trust and the philosophy grew stronger and stronger with results to prove that we were doing the right thing.”

In your view, which was the most difficult medal for Cheptegei to ever win and why?

“It is a hard question to answer. I think in the end Joshua is the one to answer this question. But, I think. The 2019 medal in Aarhus was one which opened up his mind and many doors. Of course people talk about Kampala 2017 World Cross-country Championship as one he lost, which he did indeed. But that moment, he learned so much from it, and he took it the right way. In to Aarhus 2019 World Cross-country, a lot of planning and time went in. For Addy and I, it was also proof that our ideas and the way we wanted to work bore fruits.”

After 2016, Global pushed coach Addy Ruiter to Uganda. What forced this decision?

“We had a system working with Ugandan athletes training under coach Patrick Sang in Kaptagat, Kenya. With Stephen and Benjamin being the two biggest examples of that system. Then, we also had a Kampala based group under coach Kasaija with Halimah, Winnie and Ronald amongst others. It was time to start a long-distance group based in Uganda. Joshua went and trained in Kaptagat in 2015 for about four months if I remember correctly. He came back with many ideas and a dream to start a training group in Uganda showing Ugandan kids on ground that it is possible to become an international athlete and train from home. In late 2015, Joshua told me his dream and I liked it. However, I didn’t instantly have a solution to it but I had some ideas. At that moment, I had worked with coach Addy for about two, three to five years with some Dutch athletes. I got to know Addy better and better in that period as we shared the same passion: running. And we had a similar philosophy on how things should be done to build long-lasting successful careers. It was then when I approached Addy and asked him if he would be interested to coach and guide a group of young Ugandan upcoming athletes. It was never a forced decision, more that things came together at the right time. So from early 2016, Addy started writing training schedules and late 2016 (September or early October) was his first visit to Uganda.”

New Content Item (1)
New Content Item (1)

So how special is Addy Ruiter to the plans and goals you laid in Uganda over the last eight years?

“Without Addy this was not possible, at least not in such a short time. Addy has been a very important part in the development of Ugandan athletics since 2016. Most especially, the decision for him to stay in Uganda during COVID-19 time when the country shut down has proven to help the group grow tremendously.” 

It is believed Peruth Chemutai’s 3000-metre steeplechase gold at the Tokyo Olympics was not expected by the management yet she spoke confidently going into all her races. Why so?

“Peruth is a very talented athlete, but also she has made the same mistake over and over again until that race on August 4, 2021 where she won the Olympic title. She usually would go out very fast and fade in the last 500 metres or so of the race. In that Olympic final, she executed the race plan to perfection and won the Olympic title as a result. It was the American girl (Courtney Frerichs) who went out too fast but Peruth was able to control herself and remain calm, trusting the plan. In the 2024 Olympics, Peruth again did all according to plan and won silver and three weeks later, almost broke the world record (WR)!”

Cheptegei, Nakaayi, Winnie Nanyondo, Musagala, Kiprotich all have won medals under your management. What was the special thing you did in there and in your view, which is your most special moment of them all?

“Don’t forget Victor Kiplangat… winning the 2023 World Championships title in Budapest, Hungary and Peruth Chemutai winning Olympic gold in Tokyo. I think my strength is to listen to the athletes and really care about them. And, also working harder and longer if necessary, to get things done. Trying to find the right people around the athletes (coaches, physiotherapists etc.) to support them and create a strong team who can view on the athlete’s situation from multiple angles. It is hard to pick a most special moment to be honest. I think each medal, each record, each achievement carries weight in different capacity. The first Olympic gold of Kiprotich is of course something I never forget, neither the World Cross-country title of Joshua and his first WR. Halimah’s gold in Doha in 2019 which for me wasn’t expected in the last two months leading up to the race but for most a big shock was very special as well as Peruth’s plan that came together in 2021. Victor taking the marathon title in Budapest being an underdog but again executing the plan we put in place to perfection remains a sweet memory for me.”

Let’s roll it back a bit. What is the process of managing an athlete in Uganda or anywhere else in the world? What does it take or involve?

“In principle every manager needs to pass an examination and get registered through World Athletics. That is the basic first step, from there build a relationship with UAF of course in order to step foot on ground in Uganda in this case, or AK (Athletics Kenya) in Kenya etc, a license fee has to be paid by every manager in order to be allowed to do the work. That’s more or less the admin part of it. Then the part of building relationships with coaches and athletes start from where you build your clientele base to represent them worldwide in both racing and marketing activities. I would say it also takes a lot of time, dedication and love for the sport in order to be successful, it’s not an easy sport to excel in.”

How would you describe yourself and did you ever do any sport during your formative years?

“I think any good manager should work with the athletes to help them achieve their goals and dreams. This always needs to be the primary motivation rather than being driven by money and short-term gain. I like people and enjoy working with them. I used to run myself, mainly cross country and road races, before starting to work at GSC.

Please describe your early journey and how you ended up at Global then in Uganda.

“I started working at GSC in 2006, after finishing college (I did my work placement at GSC). I always have had an interest in distance running and cross-country and my stars back then included Haile Gebrselassie amongst others. I met with him within three months of working at GSC which of course was a crazy start for me. About 1.5 to two years, later I got the chance to start working in Uganda to build a system, which I have done so for the past 17 years or so, to what it is today.”

17 years dedicated to Uganda. Are you satisfied with what you were able to do in Uganda? And do you have any regrets?

“Back in 2007-2008 I couldn’t have dreamed of where we stand today, and the impact I have had in Uganda but also within the distance running world. Of course, we don’t get there with only highs there also been lows and a lot of hard work, stuck in the mud and pull yourself up again. But work in Uganda was not just a job; I can say I really have changed something which has been impactful. Before it used to be red (Kenya) versus green (Ethiopia), now also yellow (Uganda) is taking part in that battle.

What has over the years helped Global Sports Communication build a sustainable model of nurturing Ugandan talents to become global athletics stars?

“In my opinion, we have worked harder, put in more hours and more real dedication to set up a sustainable system over the years. With that, we have gained trust and prestige which has brought in more and more talent.”

Of course, many Ugandans are obsessed with Cheptegei. He has turned to marathon running. What are your future expectations of him?

“I think not many people realize that Joshua truly can become the G.O.A.T (greatest of all time). He can be the first in modern long-distance running to have achieved gold in both Worlds and Olympics, on both track and cross-country and possibly also on the roads and on top of that broken World Records (five so far) as well. I don’t say he will succeed in marathon, but he does have the physical capacity to do so. Now, it’s up to the mind, willingness, support team etc. to make it happen. But please, I want to ask Ugandans to allow him time, this can’t be done overnight.”

To be honest, there have challenges along the way for you over the past 17 years. Could you highlight some of them and how you managed to overcome them?

“Of course there have been many, many challenges. Smaller challenges of getting athletes to races or getting them visas as well as bigger challenges such as being at a Championship and an athlete not having a pair of competitions shoes/spikes. Some are easier to solve than others, but every time you learn and adjust and get better and better prepared. The good thing about the way we have been able to work over the years is that we have been getting more and more expertise in different areas and able to bring on more and more experts to races who focus on their own part.”

Could you estimate how trips you made to Uganda over the last 17 years? And is it surely real that you’ll not be back to East Africa often?

“It’s hard to name an exact number of visits to Uganda, it started with once a year, two times a year etc. I think at the peak I have been four to five times a year. So probably about 2.5-3 times a year on average over 17 years, that brings me to about 42 to 50 visits? In my new job and position, I will continue to travel internationally, as I believe Africa carriers a lot of talent but the challenge for many European clubs is they don’t not know the road to the market in Africa.”

Did Cheptegei’s switch to marathon, after all his accomplishments, in a way make your decision to move on easier?

“The switch to the marathon is something we have been planning carefully for a number of years. So it’s not connected to my decision, I feel sad leaving right now as he truly and fully is going to explore the marathon route and his potential success there. I think what has been important for me is the 10000-metre gold medal at the Paris Olympics as there; he fulfilled the one missing piece before moving to the road. So I am extremely happy about that.”

New Content Item (1)
New Content Item (1)

And how much is your life going to change?

“Firstly, I will miss athletics as it’s been a huge part of my life ever since the age of six or seven years old. Now however, I get a chance to learn more in a new world which is unknown to me, in a sport I only played as a kid and watch on television. I am really excited on the opportunity Feyenoord is giving me and the trust they give me to start in this new role. I probably will travel less, which will be good for some more stability at home.

With all your experience, how did Jos Hermens - the founder of Global Sports Communication - take your decision to leave your role? And how would you describe the journey with him and the entire team?

“Jos of course doesn’t like me leaving the company. He took a chance on me when I was still young, without any experience and he has mentored me along the way and given me the freedom and opportunity I needed in order to grow in to whom I am today. On the other hand, he also understands my decision and is supportive and proud in a way that I get this opportunity at one of the biggest Dutch football clubs who also plays in the Champions League. For me it has been a great journey and leaving GSC with a lot of pride. I think the company helped me to grow and I have helped the company grow in return.”

What could your final message to the Ugandan athletes you’ve worked with be?

“I can say I am proud of the group I am leaving behind, to where they are and what they have achieved. And I know they are in good hands and the vision, philosophy and way of working we have built over the years will be continued. I told them last November (2024) when I visited them that they have a new number one fan that will follow them, that’s me. I will continue to cheer for them and support them, this time in a different capacity.”

ABOUT JURRIE VAN DER VELDEN

Full Name: Jurrie van der Velden

Born: November 22

Nickname from Ugandan athletes: “Manager”

Home town: Ridderkerk, Netherlands

Outgoing role at Global: Athletes Representative and Event Manager Road Racing

New Role: Head of Operations at Feyenoord FC Academy

Sports ever done: Athletics

Favourite Food: Italian

Favourite Colour: Probably green/blue

Current Phone type: Samsung

Favourite town / city in Uganda: Jinja

Favourite food in Uganda: Rolex, Muchomo, fried fish, samosa

Best Uganda athletics moment (Uganda): Kampala World Cross-country 2017 & National Cross-country

Total Number of athletes you worked with in Uganda: 100 made it to the international stage

Best Ugandan athlete you worked with: Joshua Cheptegei

How many countries visited in Africa: 7

Total Countries visited across the world: 50

Favourite Holiday Destination (Global): Italy & Portugal

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT JURRIE VAN DER VELDEN

Jos Hermens, Founder & CEO - Global Sports Communication: “Of course Jurrie’s work was very important! After our training facilities and organisations in Ethiopia and Kenya, Jurrie did a great job to build something similar in Uganda. It was challenging, because it was a new adventure in a new country. Jurrie is a social, experienced, humble and nice person.”

Addy Ruiter, Uganda Athletes Coach: “Jurrie focused on the person behind the athlete and transformed Uganda’s athletics landscape. His absence leaves a significant gap for both the athletes and the nation.”

Maaike Hofmeijer, Project Manager Marketing - Global Sports Communication: “I think Jurrie has done an impressive job in Uganda. I think the athletes in his group have had many amazing results over the past few years. He built an amazing foundation, where Youri and Global Sports Communication can continue to build and expand.”

Halimah Nakaayi, 2019 World 800m Champion: “To golden manager Jurrie van der Velden, thanks for changing athletics in Uganda from the local level to the international stage, then to the world map. We appreciate your guidance, support, and opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Thanks for grooming us from very small dreams to bigger. You are always a winner.”

Tim te Brake, Marketing - Global Sports Communication: “What Jurrie accomplished in Uganda is a wonderful example for every human being in this world. He empowered athletes to excel, created new champions, and placed Uganda and Kapchorwa on the global map, driven by his inspiring mantra: ‘For the love of sports.’”

Timothy Masaba, Uganda Athletes Manager: “It is not a farewell but a pat on the back with a great firm handshake in appreciation for what we have achieved together in the past 15 years together. His commitment to all the athletes we have shaped and impacted over the years, the leadership skills and friendship growth have been invaluable. I express special gratitude for his contributions and excitement for his future endeavours.”

Youri Verbaas, Joshua Cheptegei’s new manager: “Jurrie has been a great mentor and he showed me how to work with Uganda’s greatest talents. It’s sad to see a friend leave but he will always be part of Uganda athletics history.”

MAJOR MEDALS MASTERMINDED BY JURRIE VAN DER VELDEN / GSC

OLYMPIC GAMES

London 2012: Stephen Kiprotich (Gold, Marathon)

Tokyo 2020: Joshua Cheptegei (Silver, 10000m & Gold, 5000m), Peruth Chemutai (Gold, 3000m Steeplechase)

Paris 2024: Joshua Cheptegei (Gold, 10000m), Peruth Chemutai (Silver, 3000m Steeplechase)

COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Glasgow 2014: Winnie Nanyondo (Bronze, 800m), Abraham Kiplimo (Bronze, Marathon)

Gold Coast 2018: Joshua Cheptegei (Gold, 10000m & Gold, 5000m), Stella Chesang (Gold, 10000m)Mercyline Chelangat (Bronze, 10000m)

Birmingham 2022: Victor Kiplangat (Gold, Marathon), Peruth Chemutai (Silver, 3000m Steeplechase)

WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Moscow 2013: Stephen Kiprotich (Gold, Marathon)

London 2017: Joshua Cheptegei (Silver, 10000m)

Doha 2019: Halimah Nakaayi (Gold, 800m), Joshua Cheptegei (Gold, 10000m)

Eugene 2022: Joshua Cheptegei (Gold, 10000m)

Budapest 2023: Joshua Cheptegei (Gold, 10000m), Victor Kiplangat (Gold, Marathon)

WORLD ATHLETICS U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS

Bydgoszcz 2008: Benjamin Kiplagat (Silver, 3000m Steeplechase)

Moncton 2010: Jacob Araptany (Bronze, 3000m Steeplechase), Annet Negesa (Bronze, 800m)

Eugene 2014: Joshua Cheptegei (Gold, 10000m)

Tampere 2018: Peruth Chemutai (Silver, 3000m Steeplechase)

Nairobi 2021: Prisca Chesang (Bronze, 5000m)

Cali 2022: Prisca Chesang (Bronze, 5000m)

Lima 2024: Keneth Kiprop (5000m Bronze), Charity Cherop (5000m Bronze)

WORLD ATHLETICS CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Aarhus 2019: Joshua Cheptegei (Gold, Senior Men’s 10km)

Bathurst 2023: Joshua Cheptegei (Bronze, Senior Men’s 10km)

Amman 2009: Moses Kibet (Bronze, Junior Men’s 8km)

WORLD ATHLETICS INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Belgrade 2022: Halimah Nakaayi (Bronze, 800m)

AFRICA SENIOR ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Porto Novo 2012: Benjamin Kiplagat (Bronze, Steeplechase)

Asaba 2018: Ronald Musagala (Bronze, 1500m)

Douala 2024: Tom Dradriga (800m Bronze), Esther Chebet (1500m Bronze)

AFRICAN GAMES

Rabat 2019: Halimah Nakaayi (Bronze, 800m)

Accra 2024: Halimah Nakaayi (Silver, 800m), Peruth Chemutai (Silver, 3000m Steeplechase)