Peres Jepchirchir receives rousing reception after clinching gold in Tokyo [VIDEO]

Kenya’s women’s marathon champion, Peres Jepchirchir, received a rousing homecoming at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Tuesday afternoon, as the athletics fraternity and fans celebrated her gold medal triumph at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

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Traditional dancers, jubilant supporters, and senior government officials turned the arrivals hall into a sea of song and cheer as Jepchirchir stepped off the plane.

The reception was led by Jonah Towett, senior assistant secretary at the State Department for Sports, together with Athletics Kenya officials led by Elizabeth Keitany.

“Today is a big day as we welcome our heroes,” Towett said. “We congratulate them, especially our gold medalists, for making Kenya proud. The government assures all athletes of full support as they continue to inspire the nation.”

Athletics Kenya Safeguarding Secretary Mary Keitany hailed Jepchirchir’s achievement, saying it reaffirmed Kenya’s dominance in distance running.

“Peres has made Kenya proud once again. As a federation, and as a country, we are confident that in the remaining races in Tokyo, our athletes will continue to shine and bring home more medals,” she remarked.

For Jepchirchir, the victory carried personal significance after overcoming injuries in recent seasons. “Winning this gold means so much to me. It motivates me to aim higher,” said the 31-year-old, who famously held off her Ethiopian rival, holder of the women-only world record she once set.

Her coach, Joseph Kahugu, credited her discipline and tactical execution. “Peres was strong from the beginning to the end. She believed in herself and executed the plan perfectly. It was tough against Ethiopia, but she held her ground,” he said, noting the extra challenge of Tokyo’s hot and humid conditions.

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Jepchirchir dedicated her medal to Kenyans everywhere. “Kenyans believe in me, they trust me, and they pray for me. This gold is for them,” she said, beaming.

She returned home alongside fellow marathoners Magdalene Masai and Jackline Cherono, as well as 10,000m runner Janet Ng’etich—forming the first batch of Kenyan athletes back from Tokyo.

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