New Kenyan Record

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http://www.nation.co.ke/sports/Army+rec ... /nfb19u/-/


Army recruit earns instant recognition
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By CHRIS MUSUMBA
Posted Thursday, July 14 2011 at 20:41
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Just a month after she graduated from the National Defence College, Caroline Cherotich yesterday made history in the pole vault, setting a new Kenya record. Cherotich, aged 23, is a Private at the Kenya Army based at the Kahawa Garrison.

She set a new Defence Forces record in her speciality when she cleared 3:10 metres last month, and though suffering a hip injury, she yesterday went one better and broke the national record, clearing 3:20 metres.

“I am not even happy with my performance today.

I was eying the 3.40 metres mark, but my body could not respond well because of the injury,” she said.

Grace Chelegat held the national record for 10 years at 2:40m, but the easiness with which the lofty Cherotich cleared the height left one wondering why Athletics Kenya has failed to support such talent.

“I want AK to help me get a scholarship and go to the IAAF development centre in Dakar.

I need specialised training and if they can facilitate that, then I will be the happiest athlete,” she said.

Cherotich joined the Army last year and passed out last month. She has not even earned her first salary as a soldier, and yet she has proved the selectors right that she was hot talent.

She beat Priscilla Nasimiyu to second place, the latter managing 2.70m, with Anastacia Vaati third in 2.60m.