Lonah Chemtai, a Kenyan-born athlete, has made history by winning bronze for Israel in the marathon at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon, US.
Chemtai finished second in 2:20:18, trailing Ethiopia’s Gotytom Gebreslase and Kenya’s Judith Jeptum Korir, who won gold and silver, respectively.
Chemtai became only the third Israeli in history to earn a medal in a competition.
She has earned Ksh2.6 million (USD22,000) for her performance in the championships.
Despite her strong performance, little is known about the Kenyan-born athlete whose love story has catapulted her to fame in Israel.
Chili Tropper, Israel’s Minister of Culture and Sports, presented Chemtai’s tale, noting that passion and pure persistence drove her to the historic occasion.
The 27-year-old came to Israel in 2014 as a babysitter for a diplomat at the Kenyan Embassy.
While still working as a nanny, Chemtai ran in a local park, attracting the notice of scouts who introduced her to an Israeli-based coach, Dan Salpeter.
Chemtai, intrigued by the opportunity to hone her profession, began frequent training sessions with her new coach. The two established a tight friendship both on and off the track, eventually falling in love.
Chemtai returned to Kenya after working for the diplomat at the Kenyan Embassy, and coach Salpeter followed suit. The pair married in Kenya and subsequently moved to Israel.
“I am already Israeli, so I am part of Israel. Because now it is like my second home,” Chemtai stated in June this year during a previous interview.
That bronze medal achievement was praised by Israel’s Prime Minister, Yair Lapid, who said her sheer perseverance and desire were the major factors in her success.
“Chemtai’s willpower and determination bring pride to Israeli athletics and the State of Israel as a whole. Lonah, you are a champion!” the Prime Minister stated.
