From the legendary Haile Gebrselassie to the record-breaking Brigid Kosgei, the East African region continues to produce talented runners.
Although most of these athletes have become household names in different parts of the universe, very few individuals are aware of their nicknames.
TeamKenya.co.ke takes a look at the bynames of five popular East African runners.
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Eliud Kipchoge
Eliud Kipchoge, the reigning full marathon world record holder, is nicknamed “The Philosopher” due to his wisdom and love for reading.
His teammates usually refer to him by his nickname since he is always ready to pass on knowledge and experience to them.
Tirunesh Dibaba
Former 5,000m world record holder Tirunesh Dibaba goes by the byname “The Baby-Faced Destroyer,”.
She got the nickname because of her electric performances on the track and her facial appearance.
Dibaba, who comes from a family of sprinters, has accomplished great feats in her career.
Some of the titles the Ethiopian, who recently switched to road races has won, include five World Championships medals and three Olympic gold medals.
Philemon Rono
Eliud Kipchoge’s teammate Philemon Rono has a funny nickname.
The Canadian all-comers’ record holder earned the byname “Baby Police” due to his small stature and by virtue of being a Kenyan law enforcement officer.
His training mates gave him the nickname based on a popular Nigerian film titled “Baby Police”.
Rono is part of the star-studded NN Running team that has Kenenisa Bekele, Eliud Kipchoge, Joshua Cheptegei, Geoffrey Kamworor, and Ashete Bekere.
5,000m and 10,000m world record holder Letesenbet Gidey, and Swiss long-distance runner Julien Wanders are also part of this team.
Vivian Cheruiyot
Based on her vivacious and petite appearance, Vivian Cheruiyot, one of Africa’s most experienced runners, was nicknamed the “Pocket Rocket”.
The three-time World Cross Country Championships gold medalist recently announced that she would be making her comeback from a maternity break this year.
She shares the byname with the world champion, Olympic medalist, and the best female short-distance runner to ever grace the planet - Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica.
Janet Jepkosgei
Former 800m World champion Janet Jepkosgei Busienei is nicknamed “Eldoret Express”.
Eldoret Express is a renowned bus company that plies the Western, Nyanza, and Rift Valley routes.
She got the byname while a form two student at the athletics powerhouse, Singore Girls High School, as a result of her athletic power.
The institution has produced other remarkable athletes including Vivian Cheruiyot, and Hilda Kibet.
Also Read: Athletes Who Currently Hold More Than 2 World Records