Kenya has dominated and ruled the middle and long distance races for almost 60 years. Our national pride has been proudly displayed in the sporting world for many years thanks to the efforts of our cherished runners.
Catherine Dereba is one of the heroes and heroines of Kenya who have brought honor and glory to the country by winning medals at the highest levels of competition.
Catherine Dereva, shown here after a successful battle.
According to the traditions of the Agikuyu people, a girl was born on the slopes of Mount Kenya in what is now Nyeri County, Kenya, on July 21, 1972. Three ululations were heard. Catherine Nyambura Ndereba, the famous and great marathoner of the future, was given the name as a rite of passage.
Dereba continued her education at Ngorano Secondary School after finishing elementary school. She began training for a career as a runner while still in high school. Eventually, the Kenya Prisons Service enlisted her in an athletic program.
When Kenya sent a team to compete in a women’s relay in Seoul, Korea in 1995, that’s when Dereba, or “Catherine the Great,” made her international debut.
The iron woman continued to compete in races until she eventually decided to retire from the sport. Successes in marathons that Dereba has had are listed below.
Olympic Games
2004; Silver, Athens Marathon
2008; Silver, Beijing Marathon
World Championships
2003; Gold, Paris Marathon
2005; Silver, Helsinki Marathon
2007; Gold, Osaka Marathon
World Majors Marathon
1998; Silver, New York City Marathon
2000; Gold, Boston Marathon
2000; Gold, Chicago Marathon
2001; Gold, Boston Marathon
2001; Gold, Chicago Marathon
2002; Silver, Boston Marathon
2002; silver, Boston Marathon
2003; Silver, London Marathon
2003; Silver, New York Marathon
2004; Gold, Boston Marathon
2005; Gold, Boston Marathon
2006; Bronze, New York City Marathon
At age 50, she is a grandma who continues to show young people that success in life can be achieved not just through academic achievement but also by the intelligent application of one’s natural abilities. Catherine Nyambura Deveba, you made a significant contribution to our nation’s past, and for that, we are grateful.
