• ATHLETICS

• Sportsbeat Correspondent 3 days ago

Hero’s welcome planned for Sawe as he jets back from London on Wednesday

Kenya is set to give marathon star Sabastian Sawe a hero’s welcome after his historic world-record performance at the London Marathon.

According to a statement released by Athletics Kenya (AK) on Tuesday, Sawe is expected back in the country on Wednesday night after making history in London by becoming the first man to run an official marathon in under two hours.

The Kenyan long-distance runner stunned the world after clocking 1:59:30 at the London Marathon, breaking the previous world record and writing his name into athletics history.

Sawe is scheduled to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport aboard Kenya Airways flight KQ 113 from Charles de Gaulle Airport at 8:35 pm through Terminal 1A.

AK said federation officials, government representatives and athletics stakeholders will be at the airport to receive the athlete in what is expected to be a colourful celebration.

“Athletics Kenya congratulates Sabastian for his inspiring performance and invites media, fans and athletics stakeholders to join us in welcoming our champion back home,” part of the federation’s statement said.

Sawe’s journey to the top has been full of challenges.

The runner was raised mainly by his grandmother and moved to Iten in 2017 to chase his dream of becoming a professional athlete.

His breakthrough came in 2022 when he entered the Seville Half Marathon as a pacemaker but surprised many after breaking away from the field to win the race in a course record time.

He later made an impressive marathon debut at the Valencia Marathon, clocking 2:02:05 — one of the fastest debut times in history.

Sawe also faced setbacks, including injuries and financial struggles during the COVID-19 period, which nearly forced him to give up the sport.

His uncle, Abraham Chepkirwok, introduced him to Italian coach Claudio Berardelli, who helped shape him into a marathon star.

Despite battling a stress fracture and back problems earlier this year, Sawe still delivered a historic performance in London.

His return to Kenya is expected to attract fans eager to celebrate one of the country’s greatest athletics achievements.