Rose Chepyator-Thomson Background Information

Pr. Jepkorir Rose Chepyator-Thomson

Professor Jepkorir Rose Chepyator-Thomson is with the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies, College of Education, University of Georgia. Her research focuses on movement forms in play and sport in Africa, the globalization of sports in Kenya, and on issues of multiculturalism in physical education and sport. She has published a number of papers in journals: Interchange, Social Development Issues, Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, and International Sports. Also included as part of her published works are book chapters and conference proceedings.

Dr. Chepyator-Thomson was inducted into the Hall of Fame by University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1994 and received Orbits Sports award for her outstanding performances in track running in 1978. She represented the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Kenya, and the African continent in major track games (NCAA, African games, Commonwealth games, and World Cup in track and Field) where she broke Kenya and Africa records in 1500m and 3000M. Via Jim Memmott ‘s article (1994) in Democrat and Chronicle’s sport’s section (Rochester, New York), Professor Rose Chepyator-Thomson “made the Kenyan national team for the 1980 Olympic games in Moscow, but did not get to compete because her country joined the United States in boycotting the Games because of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.” Via Alex Crevar’s article in Georgia Magazine (2003), Nordeen, UW's first director of women's athletics said: "she was an especially outstanding example because she was excellent in both [athletics and academics].

Her name is now indelibly engraved in the history of Wisconsin athletics and will be there for all to see and appreciate." Also, in the Georgia Magazine article, a distinctive leader, Donna Shalala expressed that “Rose represents all that is good about opportunity in this country." And finally, "Rose Chepyator Thomson stunned the whole of Africa when she became the fastest woman to run the classic events of the 1500 and 3000 meters," says His Excellency Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, the President of the Republic of Kenya (1978-2002), from his home in Kabarak, Kenya. "She not only set an example for women in the country but also for other women across the continent. She is a role model both for her running and her achievements in education. We are proud of her, as a nation, and of her accomplishments in track and academics."