Kenya's highly-rated Emmaculate Anyango introduces man behind her successful career

Kenya has been blessed with talented female runners in the past decades who went on to do wonders on the world stage. 

The likes of Vivian Cheruiyot, Pamela Jelimo and Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon have flown the country’s flag high in different international championships.

Some of those big names have already exited the stage, giving a chance to youngsters to express themselves on the track and different roads across major cities on the planet. One-time African U20 Championships silver medalist Emmaculate Anyango is among such runners.

However, despite making headlines in recent weeks, very few athletics fans are aware of her journey to the top and the individuals who continue to play a crucial role in her career. 

Anyango has now come forward and introduced the man who has guided and stuck to her in good and bad times. 

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According to the 23-year-old, she will be forever grateful to coach Ken Rotich for helping her reach where she is today.

The runner, who hails from Kericho County, has disclosed that there was a time she wanted to give up but Rotich came through and the rest is history. 

“I have been going through challenges. I was in the Junior Kenyan team, then I made it to the senior team. But then someone died back home. I had to go back, and I went through a lot. Then I met coach Ken (Rotich). He advised me, told me never to lose hope and to come back to Iten,” she explained.

Anyango added that during the pandemic which caused havoc in the world a few years ago, coach Rotich was also there to support her.

“Then Covid-19 came. I went back home, went through challenges then Ken took me back to Iten again. We didn’t start with him yesterday,” commented Anyango.

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Anyango has started her 2024 season on a high, winning the Sirikwa Classic World Tour Cross Country title in spectacular fashion.

Besides that victory which saw her receive over Ksh 900,000 in prize money, Anyango finished second at the 10K Ibercaja Valencia road race held in Spain where she settled for a second-place position behind her close friend Agnes Jebet Ngetich.

She also crossed the finishing line in 28:57 and in the process became the second woman ever to run a 10km event in less than 29 minutes.

Anyango ended by disclosing that she is seeking to win a medal at the upcoming World Athletics Cross Country Championships to be held in Belgrade, Serbia on March 30.

“I want to work hard now in training then I see what next. I need to be better in some way. I am preparing for the World cross-country championships now. My prayer is if I go there, I need to come back with a medal,” she noted.

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