Army Sergeant Anthony Rotich Makes a Triumphant Comeback, Eyes Olympic Glory
Army Sergeant Anthony Rotich, a former track star for the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), is making headlines once again. After eight years away from the track, Rotich is eyeing Olympic glory and has his sights set on a comeback like no other.
At 32 years old, Rotich is in the form of his life. Following several years of injuries and a search for the form that made him one of the most accomplished steeplechasers in NCAA history, Rotich recently ran a personal best time of 8 minutes, 13.74 seconds at the Diamond League meet in Monaco. This breakthrough performance was a prologue to his fifth-place finish at the USA championships, narrowly missing out on a spot at the World Championships.
This year, Rotich also represented the United States in the World Cross Country Championships in Australia. With his exceptional performance and renewed confidence, he is now more excited than ever about his future as he eyes Olympic success.
Reflecting on his journey, Rotich acknowledges the challenges he faced upon joining the Army’s World Class Athlete Program in Colorado Springs. The rigorous training initially resulted in injuries that took him two years to overcome. However, Rotich remains determined to bring back the winning glories he experienced during his time at UTEP.
Throughout his career, Rotich has been inspired by his coach, Paul Ereng, who is an Olympic champion himself. With Ereng’s guidance and training, Rotich aspires to become an Olympic champion too. His initial goal was to compete in the 2012 Olympics, followed by the 2016 Olympics. He remains relentless in his pursuit of that dream and firmly believes that when he is healthy, he is the most dangerous competitor in any race.
Rotich’s journey from Eldoret, Kenya, to UTEP has been an extraordinary one. Unlike many of his peers, he did not start competitive running until after finishing high school, where he excelled as a soccer player. It was only then that he discovered his talent for long-distance running, recounting a story of chasing down an antelope for hours in the Rift Valley. This natural ability caught the attention of Coach Ereng, who recruited Rotich to UTEP in January 2011.
Upon arriving in El Paso, Texas, Rotich quickly fell in love with the city, its culture, and its people. He credits the acceptance, love, and support he received from the community for making UTEP feel like a second home. During his time at UTEP, he won four national titles, including an indoor mile in 2013, and 19 Conference USA championships.
After graduating from UTEP, Rotich joined the Army, acquired American citizenship, and pursued his Olympic dreams through the Army’s World Class Athlete Program. He found new fulfillment in wearing the Army uniform and representing his country. Every race he has won since joining the Army has given him the opportunity to raise the American flag and celebrate his dual roles as a soldier and an athlete.
As Rotich returns to UTEP this week for his induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame, he reflects on the honor and the significance of his achievements. While his ultimate goal has always been the Olympics, he appreciates the recognition for the hard work and dedication he put into his collegiate career.
The legacy Rotich leaves at UTEP extends beyond his athletic achievements. He is known for his charismatic personality and always bringing an element of fun to the sport. Notably, he met his wife, Charity, during his freshman year at UTEP, and they have built a beautiful family with their two children, Jasmine and Ethan.
As Anthony Rotich continues his pursuit of Olympic glory, he remains an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a testament to the power of determination and perseverance. His triumphant comeback serves as a reminder that dreams can be achieved with passion, hard work, and the unwavering belief in oneself.
