Reigning New York City Marathon Champion Sheila Chepkirui has urged upcoming athletes to embrace discipline, honesty and hard work, saying success in athletics is achieved through focus, sacrifice and good character rather than talent alone.
Addressing fellow athletes after a training session at the Kericho Teachers Training College grounds in Bureti, the three-time gold medallist said discipline remains one of the most important pillars of success because it enables athletes to avoid temptations and distractions that often destroy promising careers.
Chepkirui noted that many talented athletes fail to reach their full potential because they abandon training routines, ignore guidance from coaches or engage in activities that negatively affect their performance.
“Without discipline, I would not be where I am today. Listen to your coaches and strictly follow the training programme. Avoid anything that will derail you from achieving your full potential. Respect your coach because they only want you to achieve the very best,” she said.
The 35-year-old athlete, who specialises in middle- and long-distance races, also challenged athletes to uphold honesty and integrity both on and off the track, saying good character reflects commitment, trustworthiness and professionalism in sports.
Chepkirui revealed that she started her athletics career in 2003 and has remained active in the sport for more than two decades because of commitment, patience and discipline.
She encouraged young athletes to remain focused and avoid rushing for medals without putting in hard work, warning that shortcuts in athletics often end badly and can ruin careers.
“Just believe in yourself and know that you will one day make it. I started my running career in 2003 and I am yet to take a break because I am still determined to achieve my full potential,” she said.
Chepkirui further advised athletes to work together as a team and support one another during training sessions. She reminded them that injuries are common in athletics and urged them to learn how to manage setbacks while remaining focused on achieving their goals.
The athlete began her career competing in the 1,500m and 3,000m races during her junior years and first gained international recognition after winning gold in the 1,500m race at the 2005 World Youth Championships.
In 2016, she emerged as the African 5,000m champion before later winning the 2024 New York City Marathon title, cementing her place among Kenya’s top road runners.
Over the years, Chepkirui has built an impressive medal collection that includes three gold medals, two silver medals and three bronze medals, highlighting her consistency and longevity at the elite level of athletics.
By Sarah Njagi
