Vivian Cheruiyot Is Pregnant And Will Not Defend Her World Titles At Moscow 2013

By David Monti
(c) 2013 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved
May 21, 2013

Reigning world 5000m and 10,000m champion Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya has announced that she is pregnant with her first child and will be taking some time off from her athletics career.

“I am very happy to announce that I will take some time off from athletics this year as I am pregnant with my first child,” Cheruiyot said through a statement provided by her agent, Ricky Simms.  “I have been running for many years and at 29 feel that now is the right time to start a family.  Unfortunately I will not be able to defend my World Championships 5000m and 10,000m titles in Moscow but I will be back for the 2014 season and the 2015 World T&F Championships in Beijing.”

Cheruiyot, who won the silver medal at 5000m and the bronze at 10,000m at last summer’s London Olympics, is coached by her husband, Moses.  She has won two world 5000m titles and the 10,000m once, but has yet to win an Olympic gold medal.  She said today that she is not done with her quest for Olympic gold.

“I have already spoken to some of my colleagues who had babies to get advice about when to return to training after giving birth,” she continued.  “My long term goal is the 2016 Olympic Games in Beijing and to finally win Olympic gold.”

In addition to her medals, Cheruiyot is the Kenyan record holder for 5000m (14:20.87) and 3000m indoors (8:30.53).