By Javier Silas Omagor
World record holder Joshua Cheptegei’s cook, Milca Chemutai, has hailed New Vision and the entire Vision Group for “recognising my little contribution to Cheptegei’s success.”
This follows the exclusive interview published on Wednesday, July 20, titled Cheptegei’s Cook Reveals His Magic Menu.
Cheptegei won a gold medal and retained the World 10,000 metres title at the ongoing World Athletics Championship at Hawyard Field in Eugene, Oregon in the US.
In the interview, the soft-spoken Milca shared a couple of kitchen-related matters, her experience in cooking for superstars like Cheptegei and Peruth Chemutai, with molokonyi being the former’s favourite dish.
“For the right reasons, media houses and the general public usually focus on the athletes, their coaches and stuff like that.
“No one thinks of people behind the scenes and our contribution, but you (New Vision) thought of shining a light on my tiny role of ensuring that our stars feed well,” Mama Milca said.
The seasoned Global Sports Communication Agency camp cook continued: “I must tell you that people are now attaching a lot of respect and value to my name and a person in me.”
Cheptegei’s cook confessed that ever since her story was published, she has been receiving numerous calls from across the country and beyond from people thanking her.
“People from near and far, including relatives who stay in the capital Kampala and Kenya, have phoned me. In Kapchorwa town where I buy camp food supplies on a daily basis, I receive abnormal affection from the folks here, owing to the positive public attention that story has attracted. I am now a celebrity cook because of you. People, including children, keep calling me ‘Mama Milca, Champions’ Cook,’ and it feels good,” she revealed.
However, Mama Milca insists that the athletes must full take credit for their achievements on track or road.
“They should be the centre of attention for sure, but I do not take for granted comprehensive gestures New Vision extended which acknowledge even the small, but important contributions from each member of the team. Therefore, thank you very much and do not forget to continue praying for the team since the fixture is still on and Joshua Cheptegei particularly will be racing in the 5,000m heats and probably finals,” Mama Milca summed up.
Cheptegei will be running in the 5,000m heats tonight (Thursday, July 21) rolling into Friday at 4:00am.
With Jacob Kiplimo not entered for the aforementioned event, Cheptegei will tactically rely on compatriots Oscar Chelimo, a seasoned track runner, and the prudently talented budding star in Peter Maru.
Watching miles back home in Uganda, at her world-beaters’ kitchen, Mama Milca will be craving for another gold from Cheptegei and the boys.
