‘I Did Not Expect It’: Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe Welcomed Home with Jubilant Celebrations
Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe has returned home to exuberant celebrations after making history as the first man to complete a marathon in under two hours in competitive conditions. His remarkable achievement at the London Marathon on Sunday has sparked nationwide jubilation in Kenya, particularly at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, where he was greeted amidst a flurry of cameras and enthusiastic supporters.
A Historic Achievement
Sawe crossed the finish line with an official time of 01:59:30, shattering the previous record of 2:00:35 set by Kelvin Kiptum in 2023. Highlights of his journey include:
– Sawe’s halfway mark time of 1:00:29, setting the stage for an even faster second half of 59:01.
– He expressed his disbelief and joy upon his return, stating, I am happy about this good day, that you came to celebrate with me, I did not expect it.
Celebrations in Nairobi
Sawe’s homecoming was a symbolic event not only for him but for the entire nation:
– His parents traveled six hours to be at the airport, sharing in the overwhelming excitement.
– The arrival of Sawe’s flight was marked by a water cannon salute from Kenyan Airways, with local dancers and musicians adding to the festive atmosphere.
Family and Community Support
Sawe’s father, Simeon, reflected on his son’s determination, saying, He used to tell me that one day, he was going to break the record. He was so determined and hopeful that he would. He continued, I am happy for him and all of us here. We celebrated so much, my throat still hurts from all the cheering.
Future Aspirations
At just 31 years old, Sawe has already claimed victory in all four marathons he’s entered and is already looking ahead. He expressed confidence in his potential to further lower his running time in the next competition planned for autumn.
As the nation showered Sawe with accolades, he is also expected to meet with Kenya’s President William Ruto, marking a fitting acknowledgment of his groundbreaking accomplishment.
Sawe’s incredible journey has undoubtedly set new benchmarks in marathon running, igniting aspirations among athletes around the world.