Nyambura overcomes post-maternity woes to punch ticket to World Cross Country Championships

Source: Capital FM Kenya
Author: Omondi Onyatta

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 4 - Africa Cross Country silver medalist Virginia Nyambura believes she is now at peak fitness after return from maternity.

Nyambura admitted she has struggled considerably in the aftermath of motherhood but revealed her persistence and close relationship with God has brought her this far.

"It has always been God...I give all the glory to God. My return from maternity has not been easy and I thank Him from bringing me this far. I believe I am now back to my best," the 2010 Youth Olympics 3000m steeplechase champion said.

The 30-year-old continued her resurrection as she came first in the women's 2km at the National Cross Country Championships at the Kenya Prisons Staff College in Ruiru on Saturday.

The triumph earned her a place on the final team to the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia on March 30 where she will be competing in the mixed relay.

It also came less than a week after she clocked 32:24 to clinch silver at the Africa Cross Country Championships in Hammamet, Tunisia.

In the wake of her success in Ruiru, Nyambura credited her coach for encouraging her to push for prosperity.

"I was unsure of running in the mixed relay but my coach (Alex Sang) encouraged me to compete in it. My initial plan was to compete in the senior women's race but I am happy I decided to run in this race today. I am ready for Belgrade and I want to go there and succeed as well," she said.

Nyambura will be joined in the mixed relay team by world 800m silver medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi, World Under 20 1500m champion Reynold Cheruiyot and Mercy Wanjiru.