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Celebrating Vivian Cheruiyot's 40th, a journey from global athletic triumphs to motherhood, and her unyielding passion for the sport.
Four-time former World champion Vivian Cheruiyot celebrated her 40th birthday in an atmosphere that echoed with applause, reverence, and nostalgia.
On Monday 11 September athletes, fans, and the global sports community poured in their wishes, reminiscent of her incredible journey that has inspired millions.
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12:30 - 12.09.2023
RUGBY: Bling Wambua unveils Kenya Sevens squad and combat plan for top dogs South Africa
Kevin Wambua has selected a mixture of youth and experience for the 2024 Olympic qualifiers and believes he has enough quality to beat fancied South Africa
Popularly known as 'Pocket Rocket' due to her petite stature and incredible speed, Cheruiyot's story has always been larger than life.
Born in the athletics heartland of Keiyo in Rift Valley, she quickly established herself as a force to reckon with in the world of long-distance running.
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12:00 - 12.09.2023
ATHLETICS: Noah Lyles reveals how he won 100m gold in Budapest even before the final
World 100m champion Lyles has explained how his victory at the 2023 World Championships was cooked way before the final
One of Cheruiyot’s most notable achievements was clinching the Olympic 5000m title, setting her apart as a living legend in track and field.
Beyond the Olympic arena, she is also famed for her stellar performances at World Championships, where she has bagged four gold medals, showcasing her unparalleled prowess and endurance.
It was not just about her accolades but the manner in which she secured them. Every stride she took, every finish line she crossed, displayed an amalgamation of dedication, grit, and determination.
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11:00 - 12.09.2023
FOOTBALL: Harambee Starlets coach Odemba's headache ahead of WAFCON qualifiers
Odemba faces tough decisions in selecting top forwards and defenders for the upcoming 2024 WAFCON qualifiers.
The world watched in awe as this athlete, seemingly diminutive in stature, towered in the annals of sports history.
In 2017, Vivian ventured into new territories as she made her marathon debut in London.
She finished an admirable fourth, clocking an impressive time of 2.23.50, in a race dominated by her neighbor and former world record holder Mary Keittany.
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11:00 - 12.09.2023
Olunga's battle cry: "Past glories won't win today's game!"
Michael Olunga urges Harambee Stars to stay focused on upcoming South Sudan match, emphasizing the present over past successes.
The duo, hailing from the athletics hotbed of Iten, represented the supreme talent that Kenya has been globally recognised for.
Cheruiyot's performance in the London marathon was not a mere participatory act but an announcement that she was here to dominate longer distances too.
Fast forward to 2019, and Cheruiyot was yet again at the forefront, finishing fourth at the Valencia Marathon.
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10:30 - 12.09.2023
FOOTBALL: Engin Firat's game plan for plucky South Sudan
Harambee Stars face South Sudan on Tuesday, 4pm at Kasarani, focusing on adaptability ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
It was clear that age or the shift from track to road was not slowing down the 'Pocket Rocket'. But as with all athletes, life has its ebbs and flows.
After the Valencia Marathon, Cheruiyot decided to take a hiatus, focusing on her growing family. The two-year maternity break saw her out of competitive action but never out of spirit.
Earlier this year, whispers of her return reverberated throughout the sporting community. And she did return – with a bang – at the 2023 National Police Service Championships.
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10:00 - 12.09.2023
ATHLETICS: Rueful Chepkirui reveals what cost her a medal at the Budapest World Championships
After the World Championships, she immediately headed to the Diamond League Meeting in Xiamen, China.
Completing the 10,000m with a commendable time of 34:59.34, she finished ninth, a testament to her unwavering spirit and commitment to the sport.
Her recent announcement about eyeing a major marathon later this year has further ignited excitement among fans.
However, since June, Cheruiyot has remained away from the media's limelight, her silence only amplifying the intrigue surrounding her next move.
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09:00 - 12.09.2023
Revealed: Why Gor Mahia's Austin Odhiambo and Bandari's Abdallah Hassan were dropped from Harambee Stars trip to Qatar
Harambee Stars prepare to face South Sudan without the two creative forwards.
While her birthday celebrations mark another year in her life, for Vivian Cheruiyot, age is but a number.
Her legacy, still in the making, serves as an inspiration for every budding athlete and dreamer.
For now, the world waits with bated breath to witness what is next for this extraordinary athlete.
And as history has shown, Cheruiyot is full of surprises. One thing is certain: she is not done yet. Here's to more milestones, more records, and more of the 'Pocket Rocket' magic. Happy 40th, Vivian Cheruiyot!
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