Sabina Chebichi, hailing from the Elgeyo community in Kenya’s western highlands, was born in Trans Nzoia as the second oldest of nine siblings. Growing up in a mud hut, she assisted with household chores and cattle tending on the family farm. Despite her humble beginnings, Chebichi would rise to prominence in the world of sports.
In the early 1970s, she distinguished herself among school runners. At just 14 years old, representing Mlimani Primary School near Kitale, she astounded athletic observers during a meet organized by the Kenya Amateur Athletics Association in Kericho in May 1973. Notably, Chebichi competed barefoot and wore a bright green petticoat due to lacking proper running attire and shoes, contrasting with her better-equipped peers.
Her lack of athletic gear did not hinder her performance. She completed the women’s 800 meters in 2 minutes 16.8 seconds and the 1500 meters in 4 minutes 40 seconds, times that approached world record levels for that era. Her unconventional attire earned her the nickname ‘petticoat princess’. Feisal Sherman, Secretary of Kenya’s Amateur Athletic Association (now Athletics Kenya), responded by providing her with proper running gear and shoes.
Throughout 1973, Chebichi continued to shine, setting records and capturing the hearts of Kenyans. She achieved some of Africa’s fastest times in the 800 meters and 1500 meters events that year. During an Italian tour in Sardinia, she set a new 800 meters record for the island, clocking 2 minutes 12 seconds, as reported by Reuters.
Her crowning achievement came at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she won the bronze medal in the 800 meters. This historic win made her the first Kenyan female athlete to medal at the Commonwealth Games, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in Kenyan athletics.
