Galaxy of star athletes line up to receive World 800m champion Sum in Eldoret

By PETER OCHIENG

It was an emotion occasion for World 800m champion Eunice Sum as she arrived home in Cheboiywo village, Eldoret.

Sum received heroin welcome, which left her in tears, in a memorable ceremony as her motorcade snaked through Eldoret town. Even an afternoon downpour could not dampen the spirits of fans, fellow athletes, relatives and family who turned up to welcome her home at Cheboiywo village in Uasin Gishu County.

A galaxy of star athletes were at hand to receive Sum including Olympic 800m Champion and World record holder David Rudisha, her mentor and former world women champion in 800m Janeth Jepkosgei, Africa 3,000m steeplechase winner Abel Mutai among others.

Other friends and colleagues who jumped on the convey to escort the new queen of 800m home were Alfred Kirwa Yego, Job Kinyor and coach David Leting.

Her convey home started from Cheptiret through Moi University through to Cheboiywo village as locals lined-up along the way to welcome the home girl. Mursik and sinendet was in plenty as they thanked God for guiding her through the competition.

Sum, who surprised the world and her fans in Moscow, when she sprinted to gold on the final day to attain a feat of her mentor Jepkosgei, who was cheering on from the stands because she was injured.

“I didn’t know that I will finish in position one. I was really surprised to win because I had thought of being between one and three. It really great achievement in my life,” said Sum who improved her personal best time to 1:57.

“I know it is a challenge for me but it is not as hard as what I experienced in Moscow after Janeth got injured. This is just but the beginning of my running career,” she added..

“Everything is possible. After a long time I owe it all to my mentor Janeth who came right in this compound and took me to the field and coach Claudio Berardelli,” she said.

Sum, 25, is a mother of five year-old daughter Diana Cheruto.