The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) boss General Robert Kibochi spoke face to face with the 2022 London Marathon silver medalist Joyciline Jepkosgei on October 5.
In an interview that took place at the KDF headquarters in Hurlingham, Nairobi, General Kibochi asked Jepkosgei how her journey has been since winning her first major title in 2017.
The soft spoken athlete responded by stating that although she has faced some challenges everything has gone on smoothly.
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“The training has been going on well, but there have been ups and downs, particularly injury challenges.
She also credited the KDF boss for her striking performance in the streets of the English capital.
“We want to thank you for ensuring we have a sports therapist who helps us. That is why I tried and secured a podium place-finish in london. I ran without any difficulties and I thank you very much sir,” replied Jepkosgei.
Jepkosgei further disclosed to her boss that there are a number of KDF runners including former 1,500m World Youth Championships winner Sheila Chepkurui who can emulate her performances in the future.
In his closing remarks, Kibochi urged the 2019 New York City Marathon champion to continue being a good ambassador for the KDF.
“I know there are many people who didn’t know that you are from KDF. But I watched the race from the start to the end,
“On behalf of the Kenya Defence Forces, we are very grateful, because having someone running at that level is not easy. You are still young, so continue doing well,” stated Kibochi.
The interview took place after Jepkosgei was elevated from a corporal to a sergeant rank thanks to her spectacular performance in London.
She showed nerves of steel to register a second place finish in an event that had numerous elite athletes including 2022 World Athletics Championships runners-up Judith Korir and Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw.
Jepkosgei finished the race in 2:18.07, twenty four seconds slower than the time she clocked at the 2021 edition.
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