From grass to grace: The awe-inspiring story of 10km world record holder Agnes Jebet

History was witnessed on the 14th of January 2024 on the streets of Valencia after Agnes Jebet Ngetich became the first woman ever to run a 10km in under 29 minutes.

The world cross-country bronze medalist shed 28 seconds from the previous world record to register an incredible time of 28:46.

The youngster was not new to a milestone, having broken the women-only world 10km record in the Transylvania 10km in Brasov, Romania, with a time of 29:24 in September 2023.

This surpassed the previous mark of 30:01 set by the late Agnes Tirop in Herzogenaurach in 2021. Furthermore, Ngetich completed the first 5km in 14:25 which itself was four seconds faster than the previous women-only world record over this distance.

The same month, the organizers of the run released a statement that the distance of the run was 25m short which led to a non-record-eligible course.

However, Jebet’s rise to glory has not been a walk in the park.

As she told Mozzart Sport, behind her triumph was a tale of countless struggles. Persistence was her guiding light through all her darkest nights.

The youngster was born on January 23, 2001, in Kinamget Tabare village in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Keiyo South.

During her primary school education, Jebet competed in various school activities just for fun when she discovered that she could run well.

She did not utilize her talent until 2016 when the unfortunate happened.

“I knew I could run when I was young in class six, but I did not maximize on it. After my father died in 2016, we went through a lot of challenges. My mum was pushing me to run because she used to run when young. She told me not to let my talent go to waste,” she told Mozzart Sport.

Jebet's life took an unexpected turn when the untimely death of her father cast a heavy burden upon her young shoulders. At a tender age, she found herself thrust into the role of the family's breadwinner, grappling with responsibilities far beyond her years.

It was then that she resorted to brewing and selling chang’aa (illicit brew in Kenya), as well as burning and selling charcoal, to ensure that her siblings had a meal on the table.

The harsh reality of her circumstances forced her to make sacrifices, often compelling her to skip school to attend to the pressing needs of her family. She is the second born in a family of eight.

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“My younger siblings were looking up to me as their dad and I did not want to disappoint them. I used to sell alcohol, and charcoal so that they could go to school and get something to eat. Sometimes I would be late for school or even miss school,” she emotionally recalled.

That was her life until she completed her primary school education. Following that, a good Samaritan named Ruth Chepchumba Bundotich who had been closely watching her took her in at the Kamwosor Junior Athletics Camp where she sharpened her skills as she continued with her secondary school education.

While at the camp, Jebet explained that she had to multitask training, schoolwork, as well as making ends meet for her family.

“It was tough. I had to make ends meet as well as attend training and classes. I used to train barefooted. Life was very hard; it is what keeps me fighting,” she averred.

Her breakthrough came in 2017 when she was enrolled at the Ikaika Sports Management which would open doors for Adidas Company. The company helped her mother build a permanent home and assisted with paying fees for her siblings.

“Then I met Adidas Company, who helped me pay my fees as well as that of some of my siblings,” she revealed.

Having a support system, the youngster went on to make Team Kenya to Algeria for the Cross-Country Championship which was her first professional race.

Jebet has since competed in several local cross-country championships which have shaped her athletics career. She has since claimed the top spot in various local races including Sotik, Bomet, and the Kapsokwony Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country meets.

Last year, she started her season on a high by winning a bronze medal at the February World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia.

She ended her year with a bang by breaking the women-only world 10km record in the Transylvania 10km in Brasov, Romania, with a time of 29:24. The organizers of the run would then release a statement that the distance of the run was 25 m short which led to a non-record-eligible course.

For Jebet, the setback only motivated her to aim higher and prove what she was capable of. When she lined up for the 10k Valencia Ibercaja race, she was aiming at sending one message to the world; she was the new 10km queen!

“I had broken the first one but they said it was short by 20m. I was going to Valencia to improve on my personal best. I ran being bitter that my previous record had not been ratified; that gave me the energy to emerge victorious,” she told Mozzart Sport.

The youngster advises her fellow athletes to be disciplined and put God first.

“If you want something, go for it. Have discipline because it is key. Prayers too, and do not give up. Life is about changing the background. If God has chosen you to change your background, just do it. Have a fighting spirit and do not give up,” she averred.

Jebet who looks up to Hellen Obiri and Faith Kipyegon noted that her main aim this year was to claim a medal at the Paris Olympics.

“I am focusing on the Olympics; to attain a medal podium. My role model is Hellen Obiri. Before I sleep, I watch videos of her running. She is a fighter. I want to fight like her. I also look up to Faith Kipyegon who bounced back from maternity leave and is stronger. If they can do it, I can also do it,” she confidently said.

We chatted shortly with her coach Julien Di Maria who was amazed at Jebet’s talent level. Maria who comes from Paris explained that Jebet was the biggest talent he has ever set eyes on since he came to Kenya 12 years ago.

“She is very committed, and professional, and she wants to succeed. I think those are the basic qualities of a champion. We want to make Kenya prouder this year. Hopefully, she will win more medals for Kenya in Paris. It is awesome because I also come from Paris, so it will be very beautiful for the two countries to earn that medal,” Maria disclosed.

The tactician banked on the youngster to break major world records and make the country proud in the coming years.

“If she continues this way, she can win everything she wants, win more medals, be a champion, be happy, and make Kenya proud,” he concluded.