My Story
Born in Kutomwony and raised in the mountainous region of West Pokot, specifically in Kapsait within the Lelan division of West Pokot District, Tegla emerged from humble beginnings. Amidst tending to her 24 siblings and toiling in the fields during her childhood, she attended Kapsait primary school, trekking a challenging 5 kilometers each day, a journey that kindled her passion for athletics.
Despite societal norms that marginalized girls, endorsing early marriages and domestic duties, Tegla faced minimal encouragement in her pursuit of a running career, except for her steadfast support from her mother. The turning point in her journey arrived when she triumphed in the Cross-Country race in 1989, leading to her selection for the Junior World Championships.
Completing her O-level education at Nasokol Girls High School with distinction in both academics and extracurricular activities, Tegla earned a scholarship to study accounting at the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology before commencing her professional journey at Telkom Kenya.
Tegla stands as an emblem of intergenerational inspiration for girls worldwide, epitomizing resilience in overcoming obstacles to realize her dreams and ascending to the title of the world's fastest woman.