World marathon champion Edna Kiplagat
Kenya is off to a great start at the world athletics championships in South Korea, winning all six medals at stake on Saturday. Edna Kiplagat won the first gold medal awarded in Daegu, finishing first in the women’s marathon in 2:28:43. She was followed across the finish line by Kenyan teammates Priscah Jeptoo and Sharon Cherop.
The 31-year-old Kiplagat is coached by her husband, Gilbert Koech, who describes his wife as “a good fighter.” They have two children, and Kiplagat credits the support from her whole family with her athletic success.
Kenya achieved more world athletic success Saturday in the women’s 10,000 meters final, with Vivian Cheruiyot, Sally Kipyego and Linet Masai winning the gold, silver and bronze. It’s been a great year for the 27-year-old Cheruiyot, who won another gold medal five months ago at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Spain. Her winning time of 30:48:98 on Saturday was a personal best.