Jacqueline Kiplimo: When Kenyan Athlete Helped Athlete With Disability Drink Water

• Jacqueline Nytepi Kiplimo caught the world's attention in 2010 when she helped a disabled athlete drink water
• Kiplimo was in line to win the Zheng-Kai marathon in China but purposefully slowed down to help the athlete
• This is a story of how Kiplimo lost the race after coming in second but won hearts worldwide with the noble act of kindness

Kenya is known worldwide for its prowess in producing elite middle and long-distance runners, who have brought the country fame and untold glory.

However, in 2010, one Jacqueline Nytepi Kiplimo made headlines for different reasons - she gave a timely reminder that humanity still exists even in the face of acquiring riches.

Kiplimo was one of the favourites at the Zheng-Kai marathon in China. At around the 10-kilometre mark, she came across a differently-abled athlete.

The handicapped runner was severely dehydrated with no way to open a water bottle. Kiplimo slowed down, opened a bottle of water for him to quench his thirst.

How Kenyan athlete won hearts

Kiplimo, who was leading the race at this time, then stuck by the athlete and chose to run with him until the 38-kilometre mark to help him in the subsequent water stations, with her competitors passing her in the process.

She then decided to play catch-up in the last four kilometres but could only manage a second-place finish, which was still huge given the circumstances.

Money isn't everything

Speaking after the race, Kiplimo explained her thought process and the idea that she had lost a significant size of money had she come first in the marathon.

As reported by the Colorado Gazette, Kiplimo insisted that money wasn't everything. She finished behind compatriot Emily Chepkemoi. As captured by ARRS, Chepkemoi walked away with 15000 USD, while Kiplimo got 6000 USD.

She might have lost the race, but she won millions of hearts.

Kipchoge gifts shoes to fans

TUKO.co.ke has also reported that Eliud Kipchoge gave his shoes to fans after the Paris Olympics marathons.

Kipchoge failed in his pursuit of winning three consecutive Olympic marathons but was still a fan favourite even after dropping out.