As Vivian Cheruiyot edges closer to retirement, the marathon star is shifting focus to legacy-building beyond the finish line. The Kenyan icon, whose career spans Olympic glory and world titles, now prioritises mentorship, family, and entrepreneurship. This signals Cheruiyot transition from athlete to role model.
The 41-year-old’s recent hints about stepping away from competition reveal a woman recalibrating her purpose.
“I want my children to remember me not just as a runner, but as a mother who showed them perseverance,” Cheruiyot stated, framing retirement as a gateway to deeper family connections. Her decision to extend her career until 2025, now gives way to plans for coaching clinics and youth development programs in rural Kenya.
Vivian Cheruiyot’s journey defies conventional timelines. Where most athletes peak in their 20s, she claimed her first Olympic gold at 32, then conquered marathons post-motherhood. This defiance of norms has become her blueprint for life after sports.
“Retirement isn’t an end-it’s exchanging one finish line for another,” she remarked, alluding to her growing involvement in women’s empowerment initiatives and her thriving agribusiness ventures.
The athlete’s evolution mirrors Kenya’s changing sports narrative. Once seen as a track powerhouse with limited post-career pathways, Cheruiyot is now part of a wave of athletes investing in education and sustainable enterprises. Her partnership with local cooperatives to promote clean energy solutions in athletic camps demonstrates how she’s leveraging her fame for community impact.
While rivals like Brigid Kosgei dominate headlines, Cheruiyot is quietly redefining what success looks like for ageing athletes. Her social media now blends training clips with business updates, showcasing a holistic approach to legacy.
“I’ll miss the roar of crowds,” she admitted, “but I’m ready to hear the quiet victories girl finishing school, a mother starting a farm.”
As Cheruiyot’s final races approach, the sports world watches a masterclass in reinvention. Her story, once about breaking records, now becomes a lesson in breaking stereotypes-proving that an athlete’s second act can outshine their first.