Young Kibet dares to dream

Bukwo is no stranger to greatness, having birthed champions like Boniface Kiprop, Moses Kipsiro, and Olympic gold medallist Peruth Chemutai. Now, Kibet wants to add his name to that illustrious list.

He occasionally shares training sessions with Cheptegei and Kiplimo, not only matching strides with the global icons but occasionally leaving them trailing in workouts - a testament to his raw potential.

“Yeah, in training,” the soft-spoken Kibet admitted with a shy smile. “But we have not met in competition… and competition is a whole different game.”

Rough diamond

Guided by Kipsiro - himself a decorated long-distance runner - Kibet is learning that success requires more than just fast legs. His journey is one of discipline, patience, and unwavering belief - the very traits that propelled his mentors to global stardom.

At Kipsiro’s camp - nestled within the same premises as the three-time Commonwealth champion’s home and hotel - Kibet cuts a confident figure. 

His warm smile blends seamlessly with his colleagues, yet his focused posture betrays the quiet determination of someone with greatness in his sights.

Kibet’s rise has not come without setbacks. He finished third at the National Cross Country Championships in Tororo in February - just days after returning from another event in Italy.

In Tororo, he led the race until the final moments when his body gave way.

“I felt some effect on my body,” Kibet explained. “Even in Italy, I was not feeling good. I tried to push, but when I was making the final kick, the problem came back.”

But Kibet is not one to dwell on what went wrong. His gaze is fixed firmly on the future. “I’m now preparing for the World Championships, Africa Cross Country Championships, and Diamond League,” he declared.

School vs Talent

Kibet’s story is a stark contrast to many youngsters who drop out of school due to lack of fees. His decision to leave school was different - a gamble driven by the pursuit of his gift.

The Primary Seven dropout had several scholarship opportunities but always felt drawn to something greater.

“I tried to read and write… I tried to speak English but the whole thing was too much,” he said candidly. “I found that running is my best talent. Something came into my mind that I must improve my talent so that it can help me in the future.”

It’s a choice that may raise eyebrows, but those who have seen him in action believe the gamble could pay off.

“Kibet is one of the most talented youngsters,” Kipsiro affirmed. “Trust me, he is the one we are looking at to take over long-distance running for men.” 

Regarding school, Kipsiro explained, “we continue to encourage him. He will have to take on something at some point, at least to improve his life skills.”

Benjamin Njia, the man who among other athletes handles Joshua Cheptege, is equally convinced of Kibet's potential.

“Kibet qualified for the U20 World Cross Country Championship in Serbia last year but didn’t travel due to visa issues,” Njia revealed. “But I can tell you that this boy is the real deal. He just has to continue working hard.”

Eyes on the prize

Kibet’s journey is still in its infancy, but in Bukwo - where champions are forged - his dreams are already gathering pace.

With Cheptegei and Kiplimo blazing the marathon trail, the stage is set for a new generation to step forward.

If hard work, talent, and belief are anything to go by, Kibet might just be the next name to carry Uganda’s long-distance running legacy onto the global stage.

Kibet Fact File

Born: June 17, 2005, Uganda

Events: 10,000m, 5000m, 3000m

Personal Best: 8:06.50 in 3000m (June 27, 2024, Mandela National Stadium, Kampala – U20 Events)

Progressive Results

Cross Country

22:47min, 7.31km, Festival du Cross-Country, Carhaix, France (November 24, 2024)

3000m

8:21.54, World Athletics U20 Championships, Lima, Peru (August 29, 2024)

8:06.50, Ugandan Championships, Kampala (June 27, 2024)