The Olympic Games are one of the most inspirational events ever. We are enthralled by what athletes from around the world can do and are greatly encouraged by their stories. If you're looking for motivation and inspiration, then this is another such story.
Kenya's Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon virtually jogged the opening stages before unleashing a devastating second half of the race to win the women's Olympic 1500 metres around ten days back at Rio de Janeiro. Ethiopia's world record holder Genzebe Dibaba held on for silver, with American former world champion Jenny Simpson took bronze.
The exact reason that makes Kenyan runners so superior in the world of long-distance running may never be known, but there are many interesting factors that, when put together, offer a pretty clear picture as to the dominance of these runners.
But what is fascinating here is the fact that Kipyegon had no idea her gold medal would trigger the supply of electricity to the little-known Ndabibit Village in Nakuru County where she comes from. Kipyegon's family could not even follow her race as the village has been plagued with darkness for nearly four decades since the residents settled there in the 1980s.
But things changed after her medal-winning feat.
Moments after winning the gold medal, her father, Mr Samuel Koech Kipyegon, said, "I urge President Uhuru Kenyatta to make sure our village is connected to electricity so that I can see my daughter Faith running and winning medals for Kenya."
The action was swift and it took only nine days to construct the power line. Hundreds of villagers flocked to the Kipyegon resident to witness the switching on of electricity. Not just that, Samsung has now pledged to give a flat screen TV set while SuperSport has promised to provide her father with a decoder.
"I only thank God for giving me such a wonderful daughter who has transformed our village and I pray to God to give her strength and good health so that she can win more medals for Kenya," said the proud father of Kipyegon.
