KenyaBiography
First female Olympian from Kenya. Attended two Olympics, and qualified for third in Montreal, but could not compete there due to African boycott.
Went to Australia to train before 1974 Commonwealth Games, then had a scholarship from Chicago State University. Won second-ever Commonwealth Games medal for Kenya as a female athlete in 1978. Retired from athletics in 1983, same year who graduated from university.
She registered as 1950 born in IOC records because of the rules. Originally, she was only 14 during Mexico City Games. Chemabwai explains: "The truth is that we lied. Back then, you couldn't get a passport unless you were 18 years old and above. They had to make us 18 in order for me to get a passport. That's why the date of birth given, and which remains online, is July 3, 1950. The Kenyan officials had to cheat and make me 18" (Allafrica.com article by Thomas Rajula, 18.04.2021)
TRIVIA
- Born in a family of seven children in a small town of Nandi county.
- Husband, Julius Sang - an Olympic medallist in 4x400 metres. Couple had five children: Rosemary, Christine, Collins, Lee, Ieelyn.
- Ran Chemabwai-Sang Educational Center in Eldoret.