Sabastian Sawe returns to hero’s welcome after historic marathon
Sabastian Sawe landed in Nairobi to scenes of jubilation on Thursday, days after etching his name into sporting history at the London Marathon by becoming the first man to break the two-hour barrier in a competitive race.
The 31-year-old’s Kenya Airways flight touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to a water cannon salute, while dancers and musicians filled the terminal as cameras crowded around the returning champion. Among those waiting was his family, including his parents who had driven six hours from their home just to be there when he walked through the doors.
“I am happy about this good day, that you came to celebrate with me, I did not expect it,” Sawe told the crowd gathered to receive him.
His father, Simeon Sawe, revealed that his son’s achievement had long been a dream he refused to let go of. “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 said, adding, “I am happy for him and all of us here. We celebrated so much, my throat still hurts from all the cheering.”
The celebrations extended beyond family and fans. Sawe was received by President William Ruto, who awarded him two cheques totalling 8 million Kenyan shillings ($62,000; £46,000) and presented him with a personalised vehicle number plate reading 01:59:30, the exact time that rewrote history. Ruto called the run “a moment that is exceedingly rare,” saying it was not merely a sporting feat but “a defining moment in the history of human endurance.”
“Sabastian, you have not only broken a record, you have expanded the horizon of human potential,” the president said.
Sawe, in turn, presented Ruto with the shoes he wore during the race, framing his achievement as one that belonged to the entire nation. “We will continue to put more effort in our talent to keep the nation flying high. Thank you for all the support… we will not let you down,” he said.
At the London Marathon on Sunday, Sawe crossed the finish line in one hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds, shattering the previous world record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023 by over a minute. He passed the halfway mark in 1:00:29 and ran the second half even faster, clocking 59:01 to seal the landmark finish.
“I am feeling good. I am so happy. It is a day to remember for me,” he said after the race.
With four marathons entered and four wins to his name, Sawe is already looking ahead, saying he believes there is an even faster time in him come autumn.
Source: BBC
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