A few wooden poles, dry grass and an old mattress formed the unlikely training ground, where Abed Kiprotich’s high jump dream began.
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall, the 22-year-old athlete from Chepkolon village within Kericho County has come a long way from those humble beginnings and is now pursuing his ambition of competing on the international stage.
The young athlete had little equipment, but he possessed something that would prove just as important; an unrelenting desire to rise above his circumstances.
Kiprotich’s passion for high jump took root while he was a student at Kiptororgo Secondary School in Bureti Sub County.
He regularly competed in school competitions, often finishing among the top performers and earning opportunities to represent his school at national-level events.
“I started training in high jump while in Form 4 at Kiptororgo Secondary School,” said Kiprotich.
Those early competitions helped him develop his technique, laying the foundation for a dream that would eventually extend beyond the school field.
When he completed secondary school in 2023, Kiprotich faced the challenge of continuing his training without access to proper facilities. Rather than abandon his ambition, he turned the space around his home into a makeshift training ground.
Using wooden poles, dry grass and an old mattress, he improvised the equipment he needed to keep practicing.
His circumstances were far from ideal, but Kiprotich found another way to make his journey visible. He began sharing his videos of his training sessions on social media, offering a glimpse into the work he was putting in despite his limited resources.
Friends who watched the videos admired his determination and shared them with others. Soon, his story began reaching people beyond his immediate circle, including individuals who offered advice on improving his skills and pursuing a career in athletics.
The growing attention eventually brought him into contact with a journalist who had seen his potential on social media. It was during an Athletics Kenya (AK) field competition held at Thika Stadium from 15 December to 16, 2023, that the journalist approached Kiprotich and requested photographs showing how he trained at home.
Those images helped bring his unusual training journey to a wider audience, opening a new chapter in his pursuit of better training opportunities.
Between 2023 and May 2024, Kiprotich competed in AK track and field meetings in Thika, Nairobi and Kapsabet. Each competition offered another opportunity to sharpen his skills, test himself against other athletes and gain experience.
His breakthrough came in June 2025, when he secured sponsorship to train at the Complete Sports Training Center in Kaptagat, Uasin Gishu County.
For an athlete who has been improvising equipment at home, access to specialised training equipment and gym facilities represented a significant step forward.
Kiprotich embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm, sometimes pushing himself to train three times a day.
However, his coach and mentor, Gabriel Kiptanui, cautioned him against overworking his body, reminding him of the importance of balancing ambition with recovery.
When I joined the Complete Sports Training Center in Kaptagat, Uasin Gishu County, I would train three times in a day, and I was pushing myself to the limit, but Coach Gabriel told me to ease, and I took his advice seriously. I was eager to do my best and not waste this golden opportunity,” said Kiprotich.
The transition marked an important turning point, giving the young high jumper an opportunity to pursue his talent in a more supportive training environment.
Kiprotich’s progress continued as he gained more competition experience and worked towards his goal of becoming an international athlete.
In March 2025, he won in the men’s high jump category at an AK weekend meet held at Thika Stadium, clearing 1.99 metres.
The firstborn in a family of four was recruited into the National Police Service in October 2025, marking another significant milestone in his journey.
He capped his progress at the 2026 National Athletics Championships held at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi from June 18 to 20, clearing a height of 1.98 metres to be crowned the 2026 National Police high jump champion.
“I want to thank my coach for believing in me. He has mentored me and advised me like a father. I also want to thank the media for showcasing my talent on social media.
I urge athletes who are interested in pursuing this discipline not to give up but to keep pushing forward. No one will recognise your talent if you stay at home. You have to come out and showcase your talent so that the world can recognise you. With hard work and God’s help, you can achieve your dreams.” said Kiprotich.
From a makeshift training ground in Chepkolon to competing on the national stage, Kiprotich’s journey reflects the determination of a young athlete, who refused to let limited resources define his potential.
His story is still unfolding. With greater access to training facilities, competition experience and continued guidance from his coach, he hopes to take the next step towards international competition.
For Kiprotich, the dream that began with wooden poles, dry grass and an old mattress is no longer confined to space around his home. It is a pursuit that continues to take him towards bigger stages and greater possibilities.
The high jumper is currently training with hopes of earning a place on Kenya’s team for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China.
By Sarah Njagi
