Peres Jepchirchir recounts rising from Paris Olympics heartache to Tokyo victory
By Luke Oluoch, September 14, 2025Newly crowned World Athletics Women’s Marathon winner Peres Jepchirchir has shared her journey back to greatness after a tough outing at the 2024 Olympics.
Speaking on Sunday, September 14, 2025, Jepchirchir highlighted her resilient journey from battling injuries and overcoming past failures to her recent triumph in Tokyo on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
She specifically mentioned last year’s Paris Olympics, where she headlined Kenya’s women’s team alongside the 2024 Boston and New York Marathon champions, Hellen Obiri and Sharon Lokedi.
However, despite her impressive achievement and promise after setting the women-only marathon world record of 2:16:16 at the London Marathon, Jepchirchir finished 15th.
Painful loss
“Last year at the Olympics it was not my time. But it finally came in this race. It is always painful when you lose, but you have to accept that in this sport,” she stated.
Obiri, who clinched bronze, was Kenya’s best runner in the race that was won by Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands.
Lokedi finished at fourth place in the race that took place on 11 August.
Meanwhile, Peres further revealed how compatriot Beatrice Chebet’s victory in the 10,000m motivated her to secure Kenya’s second gold medal.
“I am happy to bring the second gold medal home. I am elated. I didn’t expect to win, but I managed despite the unfavourable weather,” she said.
“I am thankful to them for cheering us up and believing in us,” she added.
The feat added to her Olympic gold, which she won four years ago during the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic marathon in Sapporo, which had been moved from Tokyo over heat concerns.
Besides her Olympic medal, Jepchirchir, who grew up on a remote farm in Kosaji in Turbo, also holds the two-time World Half Marathon champion title, three career world records, and two Major Marathon winner titles.
Her win set the nation abuzz as politicians and sportsmen congratulated her.
President William Ruto was among the first to praise Chebet’s performance and described her as a source of pride for the country.
“Congratulations, Beatrice Chebet, for winning Kenya’s first gold medal at the 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships in the women’s 10,000 metres. You have not only made us proud but also set the pace for Team Kenya in the tournament. Let’s keep the winning spirit alive, Team Kenya!” he wrote.