How champion Caroline Cherotich balances the discus and army duty

In Brief

• Caroline Cherotich is the newest Africa Military Games discus champion
• She bagged the African crown on November 25, 2024, during the second Africa Military Games in Abuja, Nigeria, where she recorded a throw of 48.00 metres. She finished ahead of Zurga Usman from Ethiopia and South African Daleen Fleming
• Caroline attended Tebesonik Primary School and Litein Girls High School in Bureti, Kericho County
• She has been to the World Military Games in Mungyeong in South Korea (2015) and African Athletics Championships in Cameroon and the Africa Military Games in Nigeria (2024)
• The last-born from a family of eight children held the national record for discus throw of 50.28 metres set in January 2024 which policewoman Roseline Rakamba improved to 50.90m during the African Games in Ghana in March 2024

What does it take to become a champion at such a high level as the Africa Military Games? 

To be a champion, you need to be dedicated, work hard and persevere. It is a journey that involves setting goals and striving for improvement.

How much work do you put in discus throw in a day? 

Discus throw is a technical event that needs a lot of attention as well as putting efforts together. I have three sessions every day. I train for one and a half hours early in the morning and then from 9.00am to 1.00pm and finally, one hour in the evening.   

Balancing athletics, military duties, and personal life…how do you manage? 

It boils down to planning. This makes my workout easier for the day. Additionally, I set manageable goals to avoid constraints.

What is your best and worst moment in athletics?

I have 14 titles from the Kenya Defence Forces Athletics Championships, 10 national titles, and won the 2024 Africa Military Games in Abuja, Nigeria. However, my best experience was during the 2015 World Military Games in Mungyeong, South Korea. Although I did not get a medal, it was nice. It brought athletes from all over the world.

The worst moment is when you have financial constraints and you cannot train. Sh200 needed to access Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums for training might look like small money, but sometimes you just don’t have it. Additionally, the worst moment is when you get an injury that needs a lot of attention. I had a groin injury in 2017 which made me stop training for weeks.    

What specific challenges have you encountered in your athletics journey?

I cannot have high altitude training because I have an allergy. It means that the training environment may also be part of the problem, so I can’t train in an area such as Kaptagat where many athletics camps are located.

What do you make of facilities for field events in Kenya?

Either we get them at the stadium or have your implements. I love discus throw so much. I have invested in four discuses for personal training at Kibiku Camp in Ngong. One discus recommended by World Athletics costs Sh7,000 at Nairobi Sports House. I use four discuses and they can’t last two years. Discuses break up even faster during dry seasons.  

Tell us where you got the inspiration to take up athletics

I loved soda and the loaf of bread given to athletes during competitions in primary school where I did high jump. I took up athletics seriously when I joined high school in 2004. Since I did not make it in the high jump, I decided to concentrate more on discus in 2012. I joined the military because they have athletics. Being a champion in athletics in the military inspired me, even more, to take up the mantle and raise the Kenyan flag high.  

What life lessons have you picked from athletics? 

Athletics has taught me that patience pays. You can’t take up a sport today and expect to get results immediately. It is a process. In addition, athletics has also taught me that respect and discipline is a two-way traffic. I have also learned that the resources you earn during your active years should be well managed. I cannot throw discus forever, so whatever I get I use it well. I believe if you don’t invest when you are still an active athlete, you are most likely to get frustrated in retirement and even slump to depression or alcohol abuse.

What’s your take on gender-based violence which is mostly meted out to women for several years now?

Sadly, these cases find their way into sports, especially athletics. I think we should boost the fight against gender-based violence through increased awareness. Additionally, we should create policies for gender equality by empowering them.

Who is your role model in athletics?

Two-time Olympic discus throw champion Valerie Allman from the USA. She is superhuman.  

What does your family think about your athletic career?

They give me a lot of support. I believe they understand it is a talent that one needs to achieve with the support of the family.  

Give us one piece of advice from your parents that you will cherish for life…

Life is a learning process and I should work hard for my easy tomorrow.

What is your big dream in sport?

Pushing harder until I achieve my goals, visions, and dreams. And not to stagnate.

What else do you do in life? 

I rear chicken not for business, but for my own consumption. Rearing chicken for business is a lot of work which I believe I can’t do now because it needs my full attention.