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In modern athletics, where advanced running shoes, carbon technology and highly engineered equipment have become part of the pursuit of excellence, the story of one Kenyan distance runner stands out for an entirely different reason.

His greatest statement to the world was made without wearing a pair of running shoes.

His name was Christopher Koskei, popularly known as “Jogoo” (The Rooster), a fearless Kenyan steeplechaser whose unconventional approach to competition, remarkable determination and eventual rise to world championship glory made him one of the most fascinating characters in Kenyan athletics history.

Long before running barefoot became a talking point in international athletics, Koskei had already demonstrated that extraordinary talent and determination could overcome expectations.

Koskei announced himself on the global stage at the 1995 World Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, where he delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career.

While the world's leading steeplechasers prepared for battle in their racing spikes, the Kenyan took to the track barefoot. It was an unusual sight in a championship where every competitive advantage mattered. Yet Koskei appeared completely comfortable with his decision.

As the race unfolded, he demonstrated his exceptional ability over the barriers and water jumps, holding his own against some of the world's finest specialists.

When the competition was over, he had secured the silver medal in the men's 3000m steeplechase, establishing himself as one of Kenya's most remarkable distance runners. His performance became an unforgettable part of the championship's history, proving that his approach to the sport was anything but ordinary.

However, Koskei's international breakthrough was not an overnight success. Two years earlier, at the 1993 World Cross Country Championships, he had already demonstrated his potential by winning silver in the junior men's race.

The result placed him among Kenya's promising young distance-running talents and offered an early indication of the remarkable career that would follow. His ability to compete at the highest level across different terrains and disciplines reflected the natural endurance and competitive spirit that would later define his steeplechase performances.

Koskei became widely recognised by his nickname, Jogoo, which means rooster in Kiswahili. The name suited his personality and competitive identity. He was known for his fearless approach, confidence and distinctive presence on the athletics stage.

He was not the kind of athlete who needed to follow conventional expectations to make his mark. His barefoot appearances, particularly at the 1995 World Championships, made him a memorable figure among athletics followers and added another dimension to his already distinctive personality.

For many Kenyan athletics fans, Jogoo represented a generation of runners whose confidence came from their abilities rather than the equipment they wore.

Following his breakthrough in Gothenburg, Koskei experienced challenging seasons that threatened to derail his progress. His performances declined during 1996 and 1997, while his 1998 season also proved difficult. At one point, he was so discouraged that he considered walking away from competitive running.

However, an important meeting with Italian coach Renato Canova in October 1998 would change the direction of his career.

Canova helped him rediscover his confidence and rebuild his training approach, giving the Kenyan another opportunity to fulfil his enormous potential.

The transformation became evident in 1999. At the World Championships in Seville, Spain, Koskei returned to the global stage with renewed determination and delivered the performance of his life.

In the men's 3000m steeplechase final on August 22, 1999, he defeated a strong international field to claim the gold medal, finishing ahead of compatriot Wilson Boit Kipketer, who took silver, while Morocco's Ali Ezzine secured bronze.

Four years after winning silver in Gothenburg, Koskei had reached the summit of world athletics. The barefoot runner who had attracted worldwide attention was now a World Champion.

It was one of the remarkable comeback stories in Kenyan distance-running history, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and the ability to overcome difficult periods in an athletic career.

Koskei's triumph in Seville was so special that it became more than just another sporting achievement. Upon returning home to Kenya, he celebrated his historic victory in a way that would preserve the memory for generations.

According to a feature published by World Athletics in December 1999, he named one of his young sons Seville, after the Spanish city where he had won the world title. It was a beautiful tribute to the moment that transformed his career and brought him international recognition. For the family, the name would forever carry a reminder of the day their father conquered the world.

Koskei's achievements were also part of an extraordinary family athletics legacy. His younger brothers, Stephen Cherono and Abraham Cherono, would go on to establish themselves as accomplished steeplechasers in their own right.

Stephen later changed his name to Saif Saaeed Shaheen after representing Qatar and went on to become one of the greatest steeplechasers in history, setting the world record of 7:53.63 in Brussels in 2004.

Abraham also enjoyed an impressive career, winning silver in the 3000m steeplechase at the 1998 World Junior Championships and representing Kenya at major international competitions.

It was an exceptional family connection, with three brothers making their mark in the same demanding discipline and contributing to Kenya's remarkable reputation in steeplechase running.

Although Koskei eventually competed in running shoes, his barefoot performances had already secured their place in athletics history.

His story was never simply about refusing to wear shoes. It was about individuality, self-belief and the courage to compete differently in a sport where athletes constantly search for advantages.

He demonstrated that world-class performances could come from extraordinary determination, years of hard work and an unwavering belief in one's abilities.

Today, when modern athletics is increasingly influenced by technology, equipment and scientific innovation, the story of Christopher Koskei remains a fascinating reminder of an earlier generation.

From the barefoot silver medallist in Gothenburg in 1995 to the world champion in Seville in 1999, Jogoo carved out a unique place in Kenyan athletics history.

He was more than a fearless steeplechaser. He was a character, a comeback champion and a member of a remarkable running family whose influence extended across international athletics.

Christopher “Jogoo” Koskei's legacy remains a powerful chapter in Kenya's rich distance-running history — a story of courage, resilience and a champion who proved that greatness is ultimately measured by what an athlete achieves, not simply by what they wear. 

Latvian distance-running sensation Agate Caune has announced her retirement from professional athletics at just 22 years old, bringing an unexpected end to a promising career that saw her rise from a highly decorated junior athlete to an Olympian and one of Europe's most exciting young distance-running talents.

Caune made the announcement on Monday, November 9, opening up about the difficult experiences behind her decision to walk away from competitive athletics at an age when many distance runners are only beginning to reach their full potential.

In reflecting on her journey, the young Latvian revealed that her career was not always as straightforward as it appeared from the outside. She spoke candidly about periods when she questioned whether her body could continue coping with the physical demands of professional running and whether she would ever achieve the performances she had worked so hard to reach.

She also disclosed that certain hurtful words and experiences affected her more deeply than those around her may have realised, offering a glimpse into the personal challenges she faced away from the competition arena.

Despite the difficult moments, Caune looked back on her athletics journey with gratitude, emphasising that the experiences and achievements she collected along the way had given her more than she could have imagined.

"Some may say my athletic career was short, but I would say it was long enough to experience and achieve a lot," she reflected.

She also expressed appreciation to the people who supported her throughout her career, extending her gratitude to her coaches, physiotherapists, doctors, family members, supporters and everyone who played a part in her development and stood beside her during both the successful and challenging periods.

Although she is stepping away from professional competition, Caune has made it clear that running itself is not leaving her life. She intends to continue running for fitness, personal enjoyment and occasionally alongside friends, while turning her attention towards new ambitions, opportunities and challenges beyond professional sport.

Her departure marks the conclusion of a career that delivered several outstanding achievements, particularly during her remarkable junior years. Caune first attracted international attention at the 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia, where she secured silver in the women's 5000m, establishing herself among the most promising young distance runners in Europe.

She continued her impressive progression in 2023, producing a memorable double victory at the European Athletics U20 Championships in Jerusalem, Israel, where she captured gold medals in both the 3000m and 5000m. The performances confirmed her status as one of the continent's leading emerging talents.

That same year, she added another significant achievement by winning the women's 5000m title at the European Games in Poland, further strengthening her growing reputation on the international stage. She also established several Latvian age-group records during her development, underlining the scale of her potential.

One of the defining moments of her career came at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, where she demonstrated remarkable courage against some of the biggest names in women's distance running.

Competing in the 5000m heats, Caune took an aggressive approach, surging into a commanding lead ahead of established stars including Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay and Kenya's Beatrice Chebet. Although the experienced contenders eventually caught and passed her in the closing stages, her fearless performance earned her a place in the final and attracted widespread attention.

In 2024, she reached another major milestone when she represented Latvia in the women's 5000m at the Paris Olympic Games, taking her place among the world's finest distance runners on the biggest sporting stage.

Her competitive journey also extended beyond the track, with Caune exploring road racing as part of her development. During the 2026 season, she competed in the women's half marathon at the World Athletics Road Running Championships, finishing 72nd in 1:14:27.

For an athlete who had achieved so much in such a relatively short period, the decision to leave professional athletics at 22 represents a particularly unexpected turning point. Her journey, however, is a reminder that the life of an elite athlete involves challenges that are not always visible through medals, records and championship appearances.

From junior championship podiums and European titles to the World Championships and Olympic Games, Caune leaves professional competition having represented Latvia on some of the sport's biggest stages.

While her professional racing career has come to an end, her connection with running remains. The Latvian now looks forward to a different chapter, one in which she can enjoy the sport without the pressures and demands of elite competition, while pursuing new goals beyond the athletics track.

Ethiopia’s Netsanet Selemon delivered a commanding performance to capture the women’s 800m title at the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, while the Philippines celebrated a historic breakthrough as Naomi Marjorie Cesar secured the silver medal.

Selemon produced an impressive performance in Monday’s final on November 9, crossing the finish line in 2:04.43 to take the gold medal and establish a new personal best. The Ethiopian showcased her strength and composure over the two laps, securing another major achievement for Ethiopia’s celebrated middle-distance running tradition.

The biggest talking point of the race, however, was Cesar’s outstanding second-place finish. Representing the Philippines, she clocked 2:09.34 to claim the silver medal, delivering a landmark result for her country on the international athletics stage. Her podium appearance marked a significant milestone for Philippine athletics and placed her among the standout young performers of the competition.

In a particularly memorable achievement, Cesar became the first Philippine athletics athlete to win a medal in Youth Olympic Games history. Her silver also gave the Philippines its first medal at the 2026 edition of the Games in Dakar, making her performance an important moment for the country's sporting history and a source of inspiration for the next generation of Filipina athletes.

Cesar's achievement was even more remarkable considering the competitive nature of the final. The young Filipina demonstrated determination and confidence against an international field, securing her place on the podium and bringing considerable attention to the development of middle-distance running in the Philippines. Her breakthrough represents a significant step forward for Philippine athletics on the global stage.

Morocco’s Khadija Elmostaqim completed the podium, taking bronze in 2:10.05 after a strong performance, while Slovenia’s Masa Weber finished fourth in 2:10.58.

Togo’s Yvette Kpatcha placed fifth in 2:15.80, followed by Chile’s Valentina Cancino in sixth with 2:18.59. Spain’s Benítez Ashly finished seventh in 2:21.07, Botswana’s Mpho Maano was eighth in 2:26.58, and Mali’s Awa Diarra completed the top nine in 2:31.29.

The final brought together emerging middle-distance talents from different continents, highlighting the growing international depth of women’s 800m running and providing a glimpse of athletes who could make their mark at senior level in the years ahead.

For Ethiopia, Selemon’s victory added another gold-medal moment to the country’s rich athletics legacy. For the Philippines, Cesar’s silver-medal achievement provided one of the most significant stories of the competition, underlining the growing reach of athletics beyond its traditional powerhouses.

The women’s 800m final in Dakar will be remembered for Selemon’s gold-medal performance and Cesar’s historic breakthrough, as two young athletes from different continents made their mark on the Youth Olympic stage.

At an age when many people have long stepped away from competitive sport, 75-year-old Idomeneas Avramakis continues to demonstrate that determination, resilience and an extraordinary love for running can overcome challenges that would force many others to give up.

The Greek veteran became one of the most memorable figures at the 43rd Athens Authentic Marathon on Sunday, November 8, 2026, after completing the historic race barefoot while dressed as an ancient Greek hoplite warrior. Wearing a traditional-style bronze helmet, a red cloak and carrying a shield and sword, Avramakis brought the event to a remarkable conclusion, receiving a warm ovation as he entered the iconic Panathenaic Stadium.

Representing Heraklion, Crete, the retired employee of the Region of Crete took on the demanding 42.195-kilometre course in an outfit inspired by the ancient Greek soldiers associated with the Battle of Marathon. His arrival at approximately 6:15 p.m., more than nine hours after the race began, marked the closing chapter of an extraordinary day of marathon running.

However, behind the unusual appearance lies a deeply personal story of survival, recovery and an unwavering commitment to life.

Avramakis' journey into barefoot running and ancient Greek warrior attire began approximately 18 years ago, following a serious health crisis that left him fighting for his life. He spent about a month in intensive care and reportedly remained in a coma during that period. Following his recovery, he made a remarkable return to physical activity, abandoning running shoes and choosing to compete barefoot.

Since then, running without shoes has become an essential part of his identity, while the hoplite costume has symbolised what he considers a second opportunity at life. His participation in the Athens Authentic Marathon carries additional meaning because the event celebrates the legendary journey of Pheidippides, the ancient Greek messenger associated with the historic run from Marathon to Athens.

His determination was tested once again in 2022 when he suffered serious injuries in a road accident. The incident required surgery, during which doctors inserted a metal rod into his leg. Despite the lasting difficulties associated with the injury, Avramakis refused to abandon his passion for distance running.

Instead, he gradually returned to training and competition, demonstrating remarkable perseverance. In 2024, at the age of 73, he completed the Athens Authentic Marathon in 8 hours and 47 minutes, despite challenging weather conditions.

His latest appearance at 75 further underlined his extraordinary consistency. According to reports, he has completed more than 54 marathons throughout his running journey, although he has admitted that he has lost count of the exact number.

Avramakis also maintains an active lifestyle away from competition. His training reportedly includes barefoot running sessions lasting between two and a half and three and a half hours every other day, alongside swimming in the sea throughout the year and hiking in the mountains. He believes that the human body can gradually adapt to running without footwear, although his approach remains a personal choice rather than a recommendation for other runners.

The Athens course itself presents a considerable challenge, with a demanding uphill section extending through much of the middle kilometres before the route descends towards the city centre. Completing that distance barefoot, while carrying a shield and sword and wearing a warrior's costume, makes his achievement even more remarkable.

The historic significance of the occasion was also reflected in the atmosphere at the finish line. Sofia Sakorafa, president of the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), was present to welcome Avramakis and personally award him his finisher's medal. After crossing the line, the 75-year-old knelt down, bringing an emotional end to his extraordinary marathon journey.

His philosophy is captured in a Greek expression he frequently repeats: "Run so that they don't run you." The saying reflects his belief in remaining active, embracing life and continuing to move forward while the opportunity exists.

He has also made it clear that unfavourable weather conditions are no reason to abandon his passion. In a previous interview with the Cretan newspaper Patris, he expressed his love for running even in heavy rain, revealing the mindset that has kept him committed to the sport for nearly two decades.

Barefoot marathon running has a remarkable history, most famously associated with Ethiopia's Abebe Bikila, who captured Olympic marathon gold at the 1960 Rome Games without shoes. Although Avramakis' story is different, his appearance in Athens once again highlights the many ways people connect with the sport and its history.

The 2026 Athens Authentic Marathon attracted a record 85,000 participants from 124 countries across its various race categories, making it a landmark edition of the historic event. Ethiopia's Manazot Siyum Taferi won the men's marathon in a course-record time of 2:10:03, but as the evening approached, the spotlight shifted to a 75-year-old barefoot runner whose determination had captured the imagination of spectators.

For Avramakis, however, the greatest victory was never about finishing ahead of another competitor. It was about returning to the starting line despite surviving a life-threatening illness, overcoming a serious accident and continuing to pursue his passion well into his seventies.

He may have been the final athlete to complete the 2026 Athens Authentic Marathon, but his arrival became one of the day's most unforgettable moments, proving that sometimes the most inspiring marathon stories are not written by those who reach the finish line first, but by those who refuse to stop moving.

World Athletics has officially confirmed four extraordinary world records from the 2026 athletics season, bringing formal recognition to remarkable performances by Josh Kerr, Yomif Kejelcha, Alison dos Santos and Masai Russell.

The announcement, made on November 9, 2026, marks another memorable chapter in athletics history, with the four athletes having rewritten the record books across middle-distance running, road racing and hurdling.

The performances were achieved at three major international competitions in London, Buenos Aires and Zurich, demonstrating the extraordinary level of competition and continuous evolution of the sport.

Great Britain's Josh Kerr was the first to make history, delivering a sensational performance in the men's mile at the Novuna London Athletics Meet on July 18. The reigning world-class distance star clocked an incredible 3:42.66, taking 0.47 seconds off the previous world record of 3:43.13 set by Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj in Rome on July 7, 1999.

Kerr's performance ended a 27-year wait for a new men's mile world record. Competing in front of approximately 60,000 spectators at the London Stadium, he became the first athlete to officially break El Guerrouj's legendary mark, delivering one of the most memorable middle-distance performances of the season.

Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha was the next athlete to secure his place in the history books, producing a breathtaking performance at the Buenos Aires Half Marathon in Argentina on August 23.

Kejelcha stormed to victory in 56:51, taking an astonishing 29 seconds off the previous world record of 57:20 set by Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo in Lisbon on March 8, 2026.

The performance also saw Kejelcha reclaim a record he had previously held after running 57:30 in Valencia in October 2024. His latest achievement further underlined his exceptional versatility and strength over long distances, adding another major milestone to an already impressive international career.

Zurich, Switzerland, provided another unforgettable evening on August 27, when two world records fell within less than 40 minutes at the Weltklasse Diamond League meeting.

Brazilian superstar Alison dos Santos opened the historic sequence by clocking 45.80 in the men's 400m hurdles, taking 0.14 seconds off the previous world record of 45.94 held by Norway's Karsten Warholm.

Warholm had established the previous mark during the Tokyo Olympic Games on August 3, 2021, in one of the greatest performances in the history of the discipline. Dos Santos' remarkable run finally brought that record-breaking era to an end, confirming his position among the greatest 400m hurdlers of his generation.

Less than 40 minutes later, American hurdling sensation Masai Russell delivered another spectacular performance, setting a new women's 100m hurdles world record of 12.09.

Russell improved the previous world record of 12.12, established by Nigeria's Tobi Amusan at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on July 24. Her performance took three hundredths of a second off the existing mark and completed an extraordinary double world-record celebration in Zurich.

The significance of the Zurich meeting was particularly remarkable, as two different athletes rewrote the world record books in their respective hurdles disciplines on the same evening.

With World Athletics now having officially ratified all four performances, Kerr, Kejelcha, Dos Santos and Russell can celebrate their achievements as recognised world record holders.

From Kerr's historic mile in London to Kejelcha's extraordinary half marathon in Buenos Aires and the remarkable double world-record performance in Zurich, the 2026 season has delivered some truly exceptional moments.

These achievements also highlight the relentless pursuit of excellence in modern athletics, where established records continue to fall as athletes explore new limits of human performance.

Four world records, three host cities and four unforgettable performances that will remain part of athletics history for years to come.

The official ratification of these four world records marks another significant milestone in the 2026 athletics season, further raising the competitive standards across middle-distance running, road racing and hurdling. With the records now formally recognised by World Athletics, attention will turn to how long these historic marks can withstand the challenge of a new generation of world-class athletes. 

Which of these four world records impressed you the most, and who do you think will be the next athlete to make history? 

The 44th edition of the prestigious Cross Internacional de Itálica delivered a spectacular celebration of international cross-country running on Sunday, November 8, 2026, as Rodrigue Kwizera and Likina Amebaw emerged victorious in the men's and women's elite races in Santiponce, near Seville, Spain.

The World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting attracted a formidable international field, with some of the world's finest distance runners battling across the challenging 9.55km course through the historic archaeological surroundings of Itálica.

Burundi-born distance star Rodrigue Kwizera produced another outstanding performance to claim his third men's title at Itálica, matching the remarkable achievement of Ethiopian distance-running legend Kenenisa Bekele.

Kwizera crossed the finish line in 27:37 after an intensely contested race that went down to the final metres. Kenya's Charles Kiboino Kiprono delivered a tremendous challenge, finishing just one second behind in 27:38, while his compatriot Frankline Kibet secured third place in 27:39 to complete an impressive Kenyan presence on the podium.

The victory added another significant chapter to Kwizera's relationship with the Spanish cross-country classic. Having previously won the competition in 2021 and 2025, his latest triumph makes him a three-time champion, equalling Bekele's record of three victories achieved between 2003 and 2007.

Kwizera's achievement was particularly significant given his connection with Spain, where he has established himself as one of the country's leading distance-running talents. His success further underlined his remarkable consistency at the highest level of international cross-country competition.

Kenya also enjoyed an excellent outing, with Kiboino and Kibet demonstrating the country's continuing strength in distance running. Denis Kipkoech Kemboi Kipkemoi finished fourth in 27:52, while Spain's Thierry Ndikumwenayo completed the top five in 27:59.

MEN'S TOP 10 RESULTS – 9.55KM

1. Rodrigue Kwizera – 27:37

2. Charles Kiboino Kiprono – 27:38

3. Frankline Kibet – 27:39

4. Denis Kipkoech Kemboi Kipkemoi – 27:52

5. Thierry Ndikumwenayo – 27:59

6. Miguel Ángel Martínez Chazarra – 28:00

7. Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi – 28:17

8. Dismas Yeko – 28:24

9. Berihu Aregawi – 28:24

10. Samuel Simba Cherop – 28:42

In the women's competition, Ethiopia's Likina Amebaw produced a magnificent performance to secure victory at the Cross Internacional de Itálica, delivering an impressive display of endurance, confidence and tactical intelligence.

Amebaw, who finished third at last year's edition, demonstrated impressive patience before delivering a decisive acceleration during the final lap.

The Ethiopian crossed the finish line in 30:41, establishing an eight-second advantage over Uganda's rising distance-running talent Charity Cherop, who secured second place in 30:49.

Kenya's Cynthia Chepkurui completed the international podium, finishing third in 30:57 after another determined performance against a highly competitive field.

The women's race had initially been controlled by Cherop, who dictated much of the early pace. However, Amebaw remained close to the Ugandan before launching her decisive move in the closing stages, gradually opening a gap that her challengers could not overcome.

The victory represented another important achievement for Amebaw, who continues to establish herself among the leading names in international distance running. Her ability to combine endurance, patience and a powerful finishing kick proved decisive on the historic Spanish course.

Ethiopia's Yenenesh Shimket finished fourth in 31:24, while Kenya's Maurine Jepkoech Chebor placed fifth in 32:02. Burundi's Francine Niyomukunzi finished sixth in 32:06, followed by the Netherlands' Amina Maatoug in seventh in 32:18. Spain's Carolina Robles completed the top eight in 32:51.

WOMEN'S TOP 10 RESULTS – 9.55KM

1. Likina Amebaw – 30:41

2. Charity Cherop – 30:49

3. Cynthia Chepkurui – 30:57

4. Yenenesh Shimket – 31:24

5. Maurine Jepkoech Chebor – 32:02

6. Francine Niyomukunzi – 32:06

7. Amina Maatoug – 32:18

8. Carolina Robles – 32:51

9. María Forero – 33:16

10. Elena Burkard – 33:21

The 2026 Cross Internacional de Itálica once again demonstrated why the competition remains one of the most respected fixtures on the international cross-country calendar.

Kwizera's historic third triumph, which brought him alongside Bekele in the competition's record books, and Amebaw's outstanding victory provided two major highlights of an exciting afternoon of racing.

With Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Burundi and Spain all represented prominently among the leading finishers, the 44th edition delivered another reminder of the extraordinary depth of international distance-running talent.