Legendary sprinter Lydia Jeruto Lagat is a Kenyan, Baringo-based athlete known for competing internationally. – By Madellene Kalunda.
Jeruto competes in 5000m, 800m, cross junior and cross team event junior. She is the World under-18 800m silver medalist.
She won the women’s 800m semi-final 1 in the World Youth Championships 2017 and the women’s 800m heat 1 in the World Youth Championships 2017.
Jeruto feels privileged to be among other accomplished Kenyan runners including: All Africa Games 800m finalist Abel Kipsang, World 5000m champion Hellen Obiri, Jarinter Wawira, Newton Kipkirui and World 1500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot.
Jeruto initially failed to qualify for the National Cross Country Championships after a disappointing 32nd-place finish at Discovery Cross Country Championships which was held on January 31 at the Eldoret Sports Club.
However, after consulting with her coach, Barnabas Kitilit, she decided to compete in the mixed cross country relay category and is now more than ready to perform better than she did in Eldoret. The race is set for March 7in Lome, Togo.
“I never thought I could make the team with such names but it was my determination to do so because I wanted to run for the country after missing out on various races due to COVID-19,” Jeruto said.
She also added, “With such great men and women like Cheruiyot and Obiri, we have a great combinstion and we will surely come home with a title to celebrate as a country.”
Jeruto described the relay team as classy and definite candidates for a gold medal in Lome.
