In an emotional post-race interview, Kimeli spoke about the significance of this achievement, saying, “This medal is not just for me, but for everyone who has supported me along the way—my coaches, family, and friends. It is also for the young athletes out there who dream of reaching the top. With hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.”
Kimeli’s connection to Don Bosco is a source of pride for the Salesian community. He credits his time at Don Bosco with shaping his character and instilling the values of discipline, humility, and perseverance that have been crucial to his success. “At Don Bosco, I learned to never give up, to believe in myself, and to always strive for excellence,” he recalled.
The race in Tokyo was a fiercely contested event, with athletes from across the globe pushing their limits. Kimeli’s incredible stamina and strategic pacing allowed him to finish strong, just behind the gold medalist. His silver medal marks a significant milestone in his career and adds to Belgium’s growing reputation in international athletics.
Kimeli’s journey from a Don Bosco student to a world-class athlete is an inspiration to young people everywhere. His story emphasizes the importance of education, mentorship, and a supportive community in achieving one’s dreams.
As he looks ahead, Kimeli remains focused on his goals, including preparing for the upcoming Olympic Games. “This is just the beginning. I am determined to push myself even further and to continue making my country and my Don Bosco family proud,” he said with a smile.
The Don Bosco community around the world celebrates Isaac Kimeli’s achievement, recognizing it as a shining example of what can be accomplished when values, education, and talent come together on the path to greatness.
The following is an excerpt from an interview with Isaac Kimeli, originally published in Don Bosco Magazine in May 2022. Isaac, who has won numerous accolades throughout his career, remains a cheerful and grateful athlete. Below, he reflects on his journey in sports, his time at Don Bosco Halle, and the challenges he overcame to achieve success. Despite the many medals gleaming in his trophy cabinet, his journey has not always been easy. As Isaac remarks, “But my past has made me who I am today and gives me the strength to keep moving forward.”
You came to Belgium as a teenager. Can you tell us about that?
“I grew up in Kenya in a small house without water or electricity. My mother worked at a hotel in Mombasa (Kenya’s second-largest city), where she met a Belgian man. Together, they moved to Belgium in search of a more stable life. I was only four years old at the time and stayed with my grandparents. I grew up with my cousins while my mother regularly sent money to ensure I could grow up in better circumstances. It wasn’t until I was 15 years old—after a long administrative battle—that I finally got my papers and could move to Belgium.”
A big adjustment.
“Absolutely. I still remember that moment very clearly—December 2009. You have to understand, I went from 25°C to -2°C. It was cold, I had no friends, people spoke a different language, and I couldn’t even communicate with my neighbors. In short, I found it incredibly difficult. I told my mother I wanted to go back to Africa. She replied, ‘Pack your suitcase, the door is there.’ (pauses) So, I had to accept my situation and find my way.”
But you eventually found your path.
“I did! (laughs) Although it wasn’t easy. When I started school, I was placed in the OKAN (Reception Class for Non-Native Speakers) at the Sint-Guido Institute in Anderlecht. You moved out of OKAN as soon as you learned enough Dutch. After six months, I was transferred to Don Bosco in Halle. There, I was placed in BuSO (Special Secondary Education). I didn’t understand much about all the different streams here in Belgium. In Kenya, you follow a single track from Year 1 to Year 8; there isn’t much choice. Anyway, ASO or TSO weren’t options for me because of my limited Dutch, so I ended up in BuSO. There, I had to choose a specific program: warehouse logistics, construction, or logistics assistant. I ultimately chose logistics assistant; it seemed like a good direction.”
An unexpected choice.
“In Kenya, I always took care of my grandfather. He had Alzheimer’s and struggled to take care of himself. I helped him with laundry, shaving, eating, and so on. That inspired me to choose logistics because it’s a way to help people. Also, I didn’t realize until the first day of school that I had chosen a ‘girls’ program.’ My class was almost entirely girls, and even on the playground, the boys made it clear that logistics was ‘for girls.’ But looking back, it turned out to be a smart decision. If I had chosen warehouse logistics or construction, I’d probably have a bad back now, and my sports career might never have happened. (laughs)”
“My grandfather’s illness made me realize I want to help people.”
Do you think helping people is important?
“I want to be someone who helps and motivates others. You only live once, and there’s too much pain and poverty in the world. Shortly after I arrived in Belgium, my grandfather’s health deteriorated, and he passed away. That remains a motivation for me to help others. During my internships in nursing homes and hospitals, people quickly noticed that I wasn’t just doing my job. I made time for small conversations or a chat over coffee. That made people happy, and I was genuinely passionate about it.”
Was that warmth something you also experienced at school?
“Yes! At Don Bosco, I truly felt a connection with the school for the first time. My friends from back then are still my friends today, and as you’ve seen, the teachers still care about me. (laughs) The teachers here followed my situation and helped me, even after school. I would even get kind messages from them after a race: ‘Great run, Isaac, keep it up!’ And that was before I became well-known.”
Is this where your sports career started?
“Yes, it all started here. In Kenya, I hardly did any sports, so a new world opened up for me when I came here. I participated in the annual school cross-country race and won. Afterward, one of the teachers asked if I wanted to join an athletics club. That’s how I ended up at Olympic Essenbeek Halle.”
“No human is limited.”
Kimeli’s motto, inspired by Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, is clear: “No human is limited. You just have to believe in yourself.” His journey from a small Kenyan village to the world stage is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of dreams.
Tim Bex
Source: Don Bosco Magazine
