Commonwealth champion compelled to adapt new lifestyle
Emmanuel Masinde
Former Commonwealth Games 5,000m champion Mercy Cherono is adapting to the anxietty-filled situation experienced all over the world in sports due to Covid-19 pandemic.
She says athletes are much affected by coronavirus but health is very important than anything else.
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The 2013 silver medallist at the World Athletics Championships in Moscow, Russia, says she misses competing and the general atmosphere of sports.
“I miss competing, I miss the fun of my sport generally I miss the atmosphere of sport,” said Cherono who won gold in 2018 and 2010 world junior titles over 3,000m.
Cherono told People Sport that she had prepared well for the season and everything was going according to plan before the respiratory flu came calling.
“Do not say we had prepared well, training was going on well, we were all focused towards the Olympics, though not so long until we achieve it next year,” said the 2010 world junior cross country silver medallist.
She says now she is keeping fit, working at home and just bonding with the family.
Cherono says: “I do not fsee Ethiopians as a threat. But all in all, God knows the rest. We just work smart for it and the best can win; there is nothing fixed in athletics.”
A two-time world junior 3,000m champion, Cherono has had a good winning and performance streak since her youthful age into her senior cadre.
She reveals her secret of good performance is putting God first and discipline in all areas of life.
Her advice to the upcoming athletes is that they should learn from consistent athletes and be disciplined, obey elders and avoid shortcuts.
“I would advise upcoming athletes that shortcuts are always dangerous, quick fame results to quick loss of talent and can even lead to death. It is better get the little you earn which is more blessed and lasts long,” said the National Police service officer.
Kericho-based Cherono won the 2014 Commonwealth Games in 5,000m title but did not defend it in 2018 as she was on maternity leave.
