Brigid Kosgei

thumb|Brigid Kosgei at the London Marathon 2018 Brigid Jepchirchir Kosgei (born 20 February 1994) is a Kenyan long-distance runner who specializes in the marathon. She won the 2018 and 2019 Chicago Marathons, the 2019 and 2020 London Marathons and the 2021 Tokyo Marathon. Quotes I am not worried about the course, as I have had success in hilly marathons before, but New York has always been about head-to-head competition...I know I must be in the best possible shape to compete with the other women in the race. Doug Feinberg, "Defending champion Sharon Lokedi leads loaded New York City Marathon women's field", ClickOnDetroit, August 9, 2023. I was not expecting to run a record time. I just tried my best – that was all...Today was great preparation for Chicago. Jason Henderson, "Brigid Kosgei runs fastest half-marathon ever by a woman", Athletics Weekly, September 8, 2019. "The parents can only afford, let's say, Sh1,000 on different occasions so the girls can go to school. However, it is not long before they are sent back home to get more money and their studies are interrupted. Many of them lose hope and that's why you find some of them ending up in the arms of men who don't have the best intentions for them," My heart bleeds for young girls who cannot afford school feesThe Star(March 11, 2022) "Who feels it, knows it", a song by Jamaican artist Romain Virgo would be a suitable life anthem for the two-time London Marathon champion. My heart bleeds for young girls who cannot afford school feesThe Star(March 11, 2022) "I never completed my education due to the same situation of lacking school fees. I only made it to Form Three. My mum felt helpless every time she saw me coming back home to look for money. There was a school principal who had sponsored me from Form One to Two but things became tough in Form Three,"   My heart bleeds for young girls who cannot afford school feesThe Star(March 11, 2022) "Due to the struggles, I started considering whether to quit studies and focus on running. My mum had also started saying that I was now more of an athlete than a student. So, I left school and went back to my mum's place. Later, I got twins and the rest is history," My heart bleeds for young girls who cannot afford school feesThe Star(March 11, 2022) "Many of us came from very poor families and could not access the education we desired. For me, running was the last resort. Most of the elite athletes who nowadays race all over the world had no option but to use their talents to change the fortunes of their families," My heart bleeds for young girls who cannot afford school feesThe Star(March 11, 2022) "An athlete goes for a race and wins and then these millions are deposited in his account. Soon, the temptation to withdraw this money to fund unnecessary and extravagant lifestyles overwhelm some of them. Before you know it, there is nothing in your account...others even begin selling their investments or properties to cope with hardships," My heart bleeds for young girls who cannot afford school feesThe Star(March 11, 2022) "I have a small farm where I grow vegetables. When I am free, you will most likely find me there. I also like to take care of laundry and just cleaning around the house," My heart bleeds for young girls who cannot afford school feesThe Star(March 11, 2022) "My plan is to get some rest even as I strategize for the upcoming road races in consultation with the manager. As an athlete, it is important to respect your body and not overwork it lest you get injuries. I am glad my injury woes are over and so I just want to take it one step at a time," My heart bleeds for young girls who cannot afford school feesThe Star(March 11, 2022) "I love fish and chapati...I can't go a week without eating any of those two," My heart bleeds for young girls who cannot afford school feesThe Star(March 11, 2022) “Education is the building block of success.” My heart bleeds for young girls who cannot afford school feesThe Star(March 11, 2022) “I ran some race in Eldoret and a Principal from a High School saw me and said he would pay for my fee from Form One and Two and part of Form Three. That is how I went to High School. But when he could no longer pay my fees, it became difficult for me because my mother who I was staying with was also not able to finance my education,” I could not go beyond Form Three because of lack of fees, says world record holder Brigid KosgeicapitalfmKenya(March 10, 2022) “I had already started running and I was forced to choose between the two and I decided to put some effort in my running and couldn’t go beyond Form Three,” I could not go beyond Form Three because of lack of fees, says world record holder Brigid KosgeicapitalfmKenya(March 10, 2022) “I feel very bad when I see girls fail to finish their education because for some of them, that can be the tool to get them out of poverty. Some are led into early marriages because of that and their lives end up being drifted apart,” I could not go beyond Form Three because of lack of fees, says world record holder Brigid KosgeicapitalfmKenya(March 10, 2022) “I would like to work more with Stanbic through their programs to see how we can ensure that more girls have access to education. I know that in the village most of the parents are not able to pay fees for their children,” I could not go beyond Form Three because of lack of fees, says world record holder Brigid KosgeicapitalfmKenya(March 10, 2022) “It was a very tough race but despite all the challenges, I was determined to go and get a win. I had worked hard in training over the past few months and I felt that my body is in good shape,” I could not go beyond Form Three because of lack of fees, says world record holder Brigid KosgeicapitalfmKenya(March 10, 2022) “I got a lot of support, including from my sponsors Stanbic and I had to go there and do my level best.” I could not go beyond Form Three because of lack of fees, says world record holder Brigid KosgeicapitalfmKenya(March 10, 2022) “During the Olympic Games, I had an ankle sprain and I struggled to run with it and finished second. In London, I had to run with a knee injury but I am glad at least I finished in the top five,” I could not go beyond Form Three because of lack of fees, says world record holder Brigid KosgeicapitalfmKenya(March 10, 2022) “People had talked a lot of things saying that I was tired from running too much or my form had disappeared but I took all that as motivation to keep working harder. I am glad that I managed to overcome that and went back to Tokyo where I won,” I could not go beyond Form Three because of lack of fees, says world record holder Brigid KosgeicapitalfmKenya(March 10, 2022) "Yes, she is our lastborn sister. I saw she could become a great athlete and told her to start by running in school competitions. I believe she is the closest to inheriting the mantle from me within the family and even achieving greater things," Kosgei tips younger sibling Pamela for greater glory in athleticsThe Star(March 10, 2022) "The circumstances for them joining athletics would be quite different from mine. Many of these elite athletes joined the sport out of the hardships in which they grew. For myself, my dream had always been to finish school, pass well and get a good job but that was not to be...school fees was a challenge so I resorted to athletics," Kosgei tips younger sibling Pamela for greater glory in athleticsThe Star(March 10, 2022) "Eliud likes to say that no human is limited. I believe the best is yet to come but breaking the world record will depend on other factors. It depends on how you wake up and your training. Most importantly, it is God who decides...I will be content with the much I have achieved if He decides so," Kosgei tips younger sibling Pamela for greater glory in athleticsThe Star(March 10, 2022) My desire is to do my best in whatever race I step into. I want to do better than the previous one. I’m my own threat, says KoskeiPeople Daily(February 5, 2021)That is why I believe I can do better. I can lower the world record some day I’m my own threat, says KoskeiPeople Daily(February 5, 2021)Ruth and Peres are very good athletes. When I look at the top athletes we have currently, they are the two names that come to mind. I’m my own threat, says KoskeiPeople Daily(February 5, 2021)I am not giving a time frame, but I feel it is very possible, I’m my own threat, says KoskeiPeople Daily(February 5, 2021)“I am ve standing and taking all the honours, the truth however is, there is more to that. I need the support of my coach, manager, teammates and my family. A, combination of all those factors makes me,” I’m my own threat, says KoskeiPeople Daily(February 5, 2021)“We did not run as much as we could have loved last year due to the covid-19 pandemic. So you can feel the disappointment when you are told a race you have been preparing for has been postponed,” I’m my own threat, says KoskeiPeople Daily(February 5, 2021)“We all need partners who believe in us,” I’m my own threat, says KoskeiPeople Daily(February 5, 2021)This is not just for me but the big team behind my success back at home. My dream is to see us grow together and reach higher heights. I’m my own threat, says KoskeiPeople Daily(February 5, 2021)The challenges we face in life should not deter us from going forth and achieving our goals. I’m my own threat, says KoskeiPeople Daily(February 5, 2021)“When I think back to my humble beginnings and the challenges we went through growing up, I tell myself I cannot go back to that life and it pushes me to do well,” The story of Brigid: School dropout, mother of twins and world record-holderThe Star(October 21,2019 ) “My school was 10km from home and sometimes to avoid getting late I would run. On my way I met athletes who were training and said to myself: ‘I can be like them,’” The story of Brigid: School dropout, mother of twins and world record-holderThe Star(October 21,2019 ) “By the time I was in form three, the arrears were over $1,500. My mother tried to convince me to stay on by saying she would borrow the money but I told her: ‘For how long will we keep borrowing?” The story of Brigid: School dropout, mother of twins and world record-holderThe Star(October 21,2019 ) “My husband told me not to worry — he would take care of the children — and that I should just focus on my career and soon the children also got used to seeing me only on the weekends when I’d return home,” The story of Brigid: School dropout, mother of twins and world record-holderThe Star(October 21,2019 ) “It is very difficult training with them because they are very fast but when I want to give up, I tell myself: ‘No, keep moving.’” The story of Brigid: School dropout, mother of twins and world record-holderThe Star(October 21,2019 ) “My mother is waiting for me to get back home and she was very happy when I broke the record,” The story of Brigid: School dropout, mother of twins and world record-holderThe Star(October 21,2019 ) “It’s been a very strange year,” London Marathon Winner Brigid Kosgei’s Motivational Talk Is What Winter Runners Need To ReadBritish Vogue(October 03, 2020) “As athletes we’ve just had to accept and adapt to the situation. Finding balance is always the key.” London Marathon Winner Brigid Kosgei’s Motivational Talk Is What Winter Runners Need To ReadBritish Vogue(October 03, 2020) “When I broke the world record, in that moment I didn’t know I’d done it. It was only at the finish line I realised what had happened. It was amazing as I wasn’t thinking that I’d ever break that record,” London Marathon Winner Brigid Kosgei’s Motivational Talk Is What Winter Runners Need To ReadBritish Vogue(October 03, 2020) “It came as a result of my great preparation… you can just run your own race and prepare to the best of your ability. That’s what I strive to do every time I make it to the start line.“ London Marathon Winner Brigid Kosgei’s Motivational Talk Is What Winter Runners Need To ReadBritish Vogue(October 03, 2020) “There was a brief break in training during the pandemic – I managed to spend some quality time with my family, which was great. I even got to run with my kids!” London Marathon Winner Brigid Kosgei’s Motivational Talk Is What Winter Runners Need To ReadBritish Vogue(October 03, 2020) “Once I was back to training, it was business as usual, getting in my miles and just trying to be the best version of myself. I continued to follow my guiding principles of hard work, discipline and perseverance; that’s all I can do and then hope that’s enough for a great performance on race day.” London Marathon Winner Brigid Kosgei’s Motivational Talk Is What Winter Runners Need To ReadBritish Vogue(October 03, 2020) “Consistency is key,” London Marathon Winner Brigid Kosgei’s Motivational Talk Is What Winter Runners Need To ReadBritish Vogue(October 03, 2020) “If you continue to put in the hard work, you will see the rewards. Sometimes you have to be more patient than others, and sometimes you may not feel like running, but in the end it will pay off.” London Marathon Winner Brigid Kosgei’s Motivational Talk Is What Winter Runners Need To ReadBritish Vogue(October 03, 2020) “You must be disciplined and persevere with everything you have talent in. So whether that’s running, football or teaching – put the effort in and the rewards will come. You can’t wait for good things to come to you – you have to work hard for them.” London Marathon Winner Brigid Kosgei’s Motivational Talk Is What Winter Runners Need To ReadBritish Vogue(October 03, 2020) “She spoke to me after the line,” After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) “She was happy, somehow she was happy. Somehow!” After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) “She didn’t believe her record had gone.” After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) “I decided to persevere with my own goal, to run more positively and see what was possible.” After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) When I crossed the line it was really amazing. I was not expecting to break the world record. After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) I was well prepared for the race, and at the starting point I knew it maybe would be a record or not, so long as I would be near to a record. But I was not expecting it. After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) “But when I got to 15 kilometres I realised I was almost at the record pace. And then for me it was a matter of perseverance, and then I could become the world record holder.” After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) “After London I returned to my training camp and I did a lot of practice which would enable me to run well in Chicago,” After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) By the time I got there I was very well prepared, and that is why I got the world record at that time. After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) I didn’t change anything. It depends on how I have been training in Kenya. But maybe I have improved the speed on some of the long runs. After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) I run 200 kilometres a week. I do a 20-k run in the mornings, and in the afternoons either 20 or 15-k After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) “I could not be sad,” After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) “At that time I just accepted what had happened and focused on other things.” After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) “The kids, they know that their mum is doing good work there,” After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) “They say to me: ‘I don’t want to run’,” After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) “I am relaxing a bit, after Chicago,” After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) So I am maybe jogging once a week. I still have a pain following Chicago. I will start slowly for next year. After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) “I am preparing to run at the Tokyo Olympic Games. I want to run for my country again.” After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) It depends on how the climate will be. But I will accept what it will be at the time. After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) “It will depend upon how I have trained in Kenya. I train at altitude, and sometimes I train in some hot places. So it cannot affect me. I will accept what weather there is at the time. But I prefer a cold marathon!” After record-shattering run, Olympic glory is next on Kosgei’s agendaworldathletics(December 19,2019) “I want to say thanks for the race organizers. I’m really happy to be here again. I wanted to run this race because I want to test my speed for London Marathon in April. I come here to see how my body respond,” Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei to use Lisbon Half Marathon as a warm up for London MarathoncapitalfmKenya(March 15, 2024) “I’m feeling good, I’m happy, did a good preparation. The course is very fast and I hope to have a good race on Sunday. If the weather is good, I will try to break my personal best in half marathon,” Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei to use Lisbon Half Marathon as a warm up for London MarathoncapitalfmKenya(March 15, 2024) I am never selective with race, be it marathon, half marathon, 10k or even 5k. I am ever ready. Whenever asked to,” I’m my own threat, says KoskeiPeople Daily(February 5, 2021) I want to grow as individual, while supporting my family and community I’m my own threat, says KoskeiPeople Daily(February 5, 2021)However, when it comes to the record, I think it’s me who can lower it. I know what it takes.Currently, I have embarked on speed work. Sharpening that extra edge will make me much stronger. I’m my own threat, says KoskeiPeople Daily(February 5, 2021)''' External links Category:Living people Category:Women from Kenya Category:1994 births Category:Women born in the 1990s Category:Runners Category:Sportspeople from Kenya