A gold medal at the 2013 World Championships in Athletics marked the peak of Milcah Chemos Cheywa’s career as a steeplechase runner. Born in Bugaa, Mount Elgon District, in 1986, she transitioned from a police officer and middle-distance hopeful into one of the most dominant long-distance competitors representing Kenya on the international track and field circuit.
Early Development and Police Training
Chemos attended primary schools in Matumbei and St Phillips after her family relocated to Kitale. She later enrolled at St Claire's Girls High School in Maragoli. In 2005, she joined the Kenya Police College in Kiganjo, where she met her future husband, middle-distance runner Alex Sang. While her initial focus remained on the 800 and 1500 metre events, she did not begin dedicated, serious training until 2008. That year, she placed seventh in the 800 metres during the Kenyan Olympic trials.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Transition to Steeplechase
In March 2009, she began focusing on the 3000 metre steeplechase under the guidance of a coach based at the Kenya Police College. Her debut in Kakamega resulted in a win with a time of 9:54.4. She quickly improved her standing, finishing with a bronze medal at the 2009 World Championships in a personal best time of 9:08.57.
Diamond League Dominance
The 2010 season established her as a major force in the sport. She secured gold at the African Championships and the Commonwealth Games. Furthermore, she achieved victories in Oslo, Rome, Eugene, and London, ultimately winning the overall Diamond League title. Her performance throughout 2010 earned her a nomination for the IAAF World Athlete of the Year award. She successfully defended her Diamond League title in 2011, despite a third-place finish at the World Championships in Daegu.
Record Breaking Performance
At the 2012 Bislett Games in Oslo, she clocked a time of 9:07.14, setting a new African record and a personal best. This victory followed earlier wins that year in Shanghai and Eugene. By 2013, she added a World Championship gold medal to her record, clocking 9:36.16 in the final.
Fast facts
- Born: 24 February 1986
- Birthplace: Bugaa, Mount Elgon District, Kenya
- Primary Sport: 3000 metres steeplechase
- 2013 World Championship Result: Gold medal
- Education: Kenya Police College, Kiganjo
- Spouse: Alex Sang
Questions readers ask
When did Milcah Chemos Cheywa start running the steeplechase?
She converted to the 3000 metre steeplechase in March 2009.
Which major records did she hold?
She was the African record holder in the 3000 metres steeplechase until 2015.
