Vanice Kerubo Nyagisera: Champion of the 2019 African Games

From the vibrant Gusii land, celebrated for its cultural richness and remarkable athletes, emerges Vanice Kerubo Nyagisera, a rising star in the 400m hurdles. Born in 2001, Vanice is the second born of three sisters and a shining example of determination and resilience.

Vanice began her education at Nyagisai Primary School before enrolling at St. Ambrose Nyaore Secondary School. She transferred In Form Three to Mogonga Secondary School, where she completed her high school studies.

During her school years, Vanice initially balanced her passion for football and high jump, but her transition to track events marked the beginning of an extraordinary athletic career.

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“Watching legends like Hellen Obiri inspired me. I felt I could achieve similar greatness,” says Vanice.

Her training journey was unconventional. Without access to professional programs or equipment, she created her own training routines, which she humorously recalls as a “laughingstock.” Despite these challenges, her parents played a pivotal role, funding her stadium fees, transport, and second-hand training gear.

Hellen Obiri, a Kenyan track legend, also had a profound impact on Vanice’s career.

“I trained with Hellen Obiri in Ngong. When I struggled with persistent injuries, she advised me to focus on sprints and leave long-distance events. That advice was a turning point, and I am proud of who I am today.”

In 2018, Vanice’s talent shone when she won local school competitions, earning her a spot in Team Kenya for the Youth Games in Algeria, where she clinched a bronze medal. This achievement ignited her passion for athletics and laid the foundation for her professional career.

She made history In 2019 at the All Africa Games in Rabat, Morocco, by becoming the first Kenyan woman to win a gold medal in the 400m hurdles at an international event.

Her stellar performances caught the attention of Kenya Police scouts, leading to her recruitment into the Kenya Police Team at Ngong Camp as a civilian. In 2019, she was officially inducted into the Kenya Police Service after completing her training at the Kiganjo Police Training College.

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After graduating, Vanice was posted to the Utawala Kenya Police Station, RDU Section, but was later released from regular duties to focus on training. She returned to Ngong town, leveraging its high-altitude terrain to prepare for global competitions. Today, she continues to train in Ngong, a place she credits for shaping her athletic prowess.

Vanice has proudly represented Kenya in various international competitions, consistently delivering stellar performances:

• 2018: Bronze medallist, Youth Games, Algiers, Algeria.
• 2019: Gold medallist, All Africa Games, Rabat, Morocco.
• 2021: Bronze medallist, World Athletics Relays, Silesia, Poland.
• 2024: Selected for training at the Bahamas World Relays.
• 2024: Competed in the All-Africa Games, Ghana,
• 2024: African Games, Cameroon.

Vanice is determined to qualify for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, a dream she shares with her coach, Vincent Mumo, who is also a former Kenyan athlete in the same discipline.

“I have a very understanding coach, and we both believe we can achieve our Tokyo goal,” she says.

She is also focused on breaking her personal best of 56.95 seconds in the 400m hurdles, which she set in 2019.

“Hurdles is a highly tactical event. In Kenya, we face challenges like limited facilities and a shortage of specialized coaches. Before joining the Kenya Police Team, I trained without a coach. If young athletes start with proper guidance and resources, Kenya can excel even further in this discipline.”

Vanice’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide. She emphasizes the values of:

• Discipline: “Stay focused and follow your coach’s guidance.”
• Hard Work: “Success takes time and consistent effort.”
• Patience: “Look at legends like Hellen Obiri and Faith Kipyegon—it took years for them to reach their milestones.”

With her gym bag slung over her shoulder, Vanice concludes, “Hard work pays off.”

Vanice Kerubo Nyagisera is not just a name in athletics; she is a beacon of hope, inspiring the next generation to chase their dreams with unwavering dedication and grit.