Bernard Koech, a renowned Kenyan marathoner, has a story of resilience that resonates with many athletes and individuals facing addiction struggles. Known for his triumphs, including two titles at the Haspa Marathon Hamburg, Koech also faced years of battling an alcohol dependency that nearly cost him his career, relationships, and future. Today, he uses his journey to inspire other athletes, showing that it’s possible to reclaim one’s life from the grip of substance abuse.
For years, Koech’s relationship with alcohol evolved from a casual drink to unwind into a daily dependency. Like many, he started with occasional weekend drinks, an attempt to relax after intense training sessions. However, these moments of relaxation slowly spiraled into prolonged drinking sessions that became central to his routine. By 2015, he was already on a slippery slope, choosing entertainment and alcohol over rest and recovery after training.
Reflecting on his journey, Koech recalls that alcohol soon overshadowed the discipline that had propelled his success. What began as a casual choice became a habit, distancing him from his family, friends, and even his coach. As he grew more dependent, Koech started drinking in secrecy, hiding bottles during training camps. This behavior, he says, was a way to shield his struggles from the public eye, even as his life unraveled. Relationships became strained, his drive for competition faded, and his performance suffered as his addiction deepened.
The isolation brought by the COVID-19 pandemic turned out to be a pivotal moment in Koech’s life. As events were canceled and sponsorships retracted, Koech found himself with no distractions to mask his reality. With limited financial support and few options left, he was forced to confront the depth of his addiction and the cost it had exacted on his life and career.
Facing his reality during the pandemic, Koech made a critical decision: to reclaim his life not only for himself but also as an example to others facing similar struggles. Over the last four years, he has focused on creating a supportive community for athletes, especially young men vulnerable to the temptations that often come with fame, stress, and societal expectations. Koech meets with athletes weekly to talk about resilience, recovery, and the importance of finding purpose beyond temporary relief.
Koech’s personal journey has also led him to address deeper issues beyond addiction, including mental health, financial planning, and navigating the pressures of modern relationships. He emphasizes that discipline is a vital trait, not only in sports but in life, urging athletes and others to prioritize self-control and resilience.
In Kenyan society, where alcohol can be culturally embedded and support systems are sometimes limited, Koech’s transformation carries a powerful message. His story serves as a reminder of the strength needed to overcome adversity, especially in a culture where men often face intense pressure to succeed while handling their emotions privately.
Recognizing these unique challenges, Pulse Kenya, in collaboration with Money Clinic, has organized the Average Joes forum, an event that aligns with Koech’s mission of support and empowerment. Scheduled for November 23, 2024, this forum will offer a space for men to openly discuss topics such as mental health, fatherhood, financial planning, and social issues. With a registration fee of Sh500, attendees will have the opportunity to learn from experiences like Koech’s, gaining insights and support for healthier, balanced lives.
Koech’s journey from addiction to advocacy highlights the power of resilience and the importance of addressing mental health and addiction in the athletic community. His story serves as a beacon of hope and strength for others struggling to find a way out, showing that with discipline, self-awareness, and community support, it is possible to turn one’s life around, even after years of struggle.
