Peres Jepchirchir named best sportsperson
Following a spate of stellar performances in November last year, Olympic Marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir has been belatedly named as the best sportsperson that month by the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) and sponsors LG.
Jepchirchir was voted as the best having won the New York Marathon, topping up on the Olympic Crown she won in Sapporo in August.
In New York, she clocked 2hrs, 22min, and 39seconds to clinch the title on her debut, leading a Kenyan 1-2 finish with Viola Lagat coming second.
Having won the award, Jepchirchir was rewarded with a state-of-the-art LG Artificial Intelligence washing machine worth Ksh92,000 and a glittering trophy engraved with her name.
Jepchirchir, who was awarded at her home in Kapsabet beat top stars to the award including fellow New York winner Albert Korir, Tennis sensation Angela Okutoyi, who won the 2021 Africa U-18 Championship and Rally champion Baldev Chager.
Other nominees were Kenya Sevens player Herman Humwa, Lucy Cheruiyot who won the Mexico City Marathon and Perister Bosire who won gold in the over 78 kg division at the Dakar African Judo Open.
Speaking after receiving the award, a jolly Jepchirchir said the award will motivate her to a better season this year which will be headlined by the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA.
“I am so happy to be recognized by LG, I feel so honored, this is a big inspiration to me ahead of the busy season. This washing machine has come in handy and I thank LG and SJAK for that,” an elated Jepchirchir said.
Peres Jepchirchir with her trophy and award
“I am so happy I was even thinking of buying a washing machine, and here it has come. I have started preparations for Boston Marathon, I know it is a tough course and race but I will do my best to be on the podium,” the Olympic Champion said.
She added, “I will be happy if I will be selected to represent my country at the World Athletics Championships in the USA, Oregon.”
Jepchirchir has had a stellar 2021 season which ended in her receiving the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) presidential commendation during the Jahmhuri Day celebrations.
The Olympic champion will now hope to translate the same form when she makes her debut at the Boston Marathon in April. She has set up a mouth-watering battle against 2021 London Marathon winner Joyciline Jepkosgei after organizers announced the elite women’s list.
“My high expectation is to be a winner and I would like to arrive at the day of the race in my best shape. I have time enough to prepare for it and I will do my best in training to be ready to run against some of the best marathon runners in the world,” said Peres.
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