Paul Tergat
The Kenyan marathon runner and Olympic medalist shares how the UN World Food Programme inspired his running.
Paul Tergat’s athleticism and grace both on and off the track have earned him the nickname “the Gentleman” around the world.
Born in a remote area of Kenya and into a polygamist family, he credits the strength for running that he developed as a child to the United Nations World Food Programme, which supplied him with daily meals at school.
He says, “It assured we were in school and it changed my whole life, until now.”
Throughout his running career as an award-winning marathoner, Paul Tergat has continued to give back to his community through his foundation in Africa and serves today as a UN goodwill ambassador.
Despite his global fame after setting the world marathon record in 2003, earning multiple Olympic medals, and sweeping world cross-country titles, Paul Tergat remains grounded in his humble background and continually seeks ways to serve others.
This episode of One on One can be seen from Saturday, October 30, at the following times GMT: Saturday: 0730, 2330; Sunday: 0300; Monday: 0630; Tuesday: 1230; Wednesday: 1430; Friday: 0030.