Abraham Naibei Cheroben was on Tuesday given a heroes’ welcome at his Eldoret home.
The 25-year-old won silver at Saturday’s IAAF World Half Marathon Championship in Valencia, Spain, giving Bahrain (his adopted nation) a historic first ever-individual medal.
His win also helped Bahrain clinch bronze at the global distance running event.
“This was a good opportunity for my new country that I represent. The race was not easy but I did my best to ensure that I get my first silver in the World Half,” said Cheroben when he spoke to reporters.
Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor won the event, crossing the line in a time of 60:02, compared to Cheroben’s 60:22.
But instead of going to his adopted nation of Bahrain for a parade in the capital Manam, Cheroben opted to return to his country of birth where he was welcomed with song and dance at the Eldoret International Airport.
“I was so prepared to win gold but I settled on silver which is not bad for me. I was so prepared and come 2020, I will be in a good position to take the title,” added Cheroben.
Bahrain has given East African countries a run for their money in the athletics arena after they introduced a programme to neutralise emerging talent from the region.