Mercy Chepngeno is just 18, and still in high school, but the Chagaik Secondary School student
is already going places in elite sport.
Chepngeno has signed a name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Swiss sportswear brand On
as joins the ranks of elite global student-athletes representing the brand.
She will be competing under the fresh deal at this weekend’s Sirikwa Classic, the biggest cross-
country meet in Kenya with strong potential for her to podium and medal.
Born in the village of Lesirwo, Kericho County, Chepngeno captured the hearts of the running
world in 2024 when photos of her competing barefoot at the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports
Association Regional Levels in Kapsabet went viral.
Since then, she has dominated the junior ranks, recently securing Gold in both the 3,000 metres
steeplechase and 1,500m at the 2026 Track and Field Open in Thika, Kenya, and Silver at the
Africa Under-20 Championships in Nigeria last year.
Under the guidance of her coach Bernard Rono, Chepngeno has utilized the high-altitude tea
estate paths of Kericho to sharpen her skills, establishing a recent trajectory that confirms her
status as a future powerhouse.
In 2025, she became a Double National Champion in the 1,500m and 2,000m at the KSSSA
Games, followed by a Gold Medal performance at the Betika Weekend Meet in Machakos that
October.
Her momentum continued onto the continental stage in December 2025, where she secured a
Silver Medal in the 3,000m Steeplechase at the Africa U-20 Championships in Nigeria. Most
recently, in January 2026, she solidified her dominance by becoming a Double Gold Medalist in
the 1,500m and 3,000m Steeplechase at the Thika Weekend Meet.
“At On, we believe that the future of athletics is built by supporting athletes like Mercy who
balance immense talent with an incredible work ethic,” said Libby Davidson, NIL Athlete
Manager at On.
“Mercy’s double win in Thika and her Silver at the Africa U-20 Championships prove she is a star
in the making. We are proud to provide the gear and support she needs to pursue her dreams
on the track and her ambitions to become a doctor.”
On had already struck NIL deals with collegiate star athletes Doris Lemngole, Marion
Jepngetich, and Joy Naukot.
