Veteran Chemwolo opens up on career as Masters' coach

Veteran coach Mary Chemwolo has opened up on what it takes to coach the elderly.

Chemwolo coaches athletes who may have hanged their spikes or those simply in the older adult categories ranging from the late 30s to as old as 90 years. The 62-year-old trains her charges in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet county.

According to the coach, by participating in masters competitions, the athletes find ways of extending their passion for the game even in retirement and maintaining a physically active life, which results in better mental health and overall wellness.

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Despite the positive impacts training has on the athletes, the coach noted that it is not a walk in the park. She pointed out that several challenges hinder her efficiency in delivering.

To begin with, Chemwolo decried the lack of proper training facilities. There are limited facilities in the athletics-rich Iten town, making it strenuous for the coach and her charges.

“The main challenge is the lack of training facilities. These men have been at home for a long time and have not been participating in any major events. So, they need a specialized place where they can train,” she told Mozzart Sport.

The tactician was also concerned that most of her charges came from very humble backgrounds and could hardly afford training gear such as shorts and shoes.

She also pointed out that communication was a major challenge since the elderly did not own smartphones.

“I also have a challenge in communication because they do not have a smartphone and we make most communications on WhatsApp. But when you call them, they answer and even call to inquire about training," Chemwolo told Mozzart Sport.

Chemwolo further noted that the bone-chilling weather of Iten also posed a challenge to her charges. Many of them find it hard to train, especially during the morning hours due to the fear of contracting respiratory diseases.

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For instance, during the early hours of the morning, the temperature trail at low as 11'.

“Sometimes weather affects them because of their age. But as they run, they become fit and easier for them to train. When they get these gifts and cash awards they are motivated to keep training,” she observed.

The World Athletics-accredited coach, who is a teacher by profession, noted that she takes pride in coaching the pupils in school.

She coaches the elderly during weekends when she is not in school.

She explained that similar to the masters, the young ones also find it difficult to train under low temperatures. Regarding that, she urged the devolved unit to construct camps to help them nurture their talents.

“I also coach young children 5-12 years. Young children cannot train early in the morning because the low temperatures will make them sick. They need a camp where they can train when the sun is out to avoid getting sick,” she started.

“I have a program. I am a teacher. I coach the kids in school during their play time at 3:10. Then during weekends, I coach the masters. During the holidays, I train them all on Tuesday and Thursday,” she continued.

Among her notable charges include 58-year-old marathoner Priscilla Biwott who helped Kenya clinch its first gold medal in a 5,000m race at the 14th Africa Masters Athletics Championships held in November in Pretoria, South Africa.

“Seeing my charges win is the happiest thing in the world. I have a coaching certificate from IAAF and I am happy that my work is being noticed out here,” she concluded.