Chepyator-Thomson Named African Hero by Ohio U's African Student Union Rose Chepyator-Thomson, an associate professor of physical education and sport studies, has been named African Hero 2003-2004 by Ohio University’s African Student Union for her achievements as a scholar, athlete and parent. She is the first woman to be honored by the student group. Chepyator-Thomson delivered the keynote address February 21 during the two-day “Sports, Youth and Africa” symposium, which concluded with her recognition at the African Heroes Day celebration. The symposium was presented by Ohio University’s Institute for the African Child, the African Student Union, and the Sports Administration program. Chepyator-Thomson, who joined the faculty at UGA’s College of Education in 1996, focuses her research on movement forms in play and sport in Africa, the globalization of sports in Kenya, and on issues of multiculturalism in physical education and sport. She has published papers in several journals including: Interchange, Social Development Issues, Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, and International Sports. Chepyator-Thomson was an 11-time track and cross-country All-American at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned a PhD in curriculum and instruction. She was inducted into the University of Wisconsin-Madison Sports Hall of Fame in 1994 and received an Orbits Sports award for her outstanding track performances in 1978. She represented the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Kenya, and the African continent in major track games (NCAA, African games, Commonwealth games, and World Cup in track and field) where she broke Kenyan and African records in the 1500 meter and 3000 meter events.   She made the Kenyan national team for the 1980 Olympic games in Moscow but did not get to compete because her country joined the United States in boycotting the Games because of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. "Rose Chepyator-Thomson stunned the whole of Africa when she became the fastest woman to run the classic events of the 1500 and 3000 meters,” said Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, former president of the Republic of Kenya (1978-2002). “She not only set an example for women in the country but also for other women across the continent. She is a role model both for her running and her achievements in education. We are proud of her, as a nation, and of her accomplishments in track and academics.” Thursday, February 26, 2004 WRITER: Michael Childs, 706/542-5889, mchilds@coe.uga.edu CONTACT: Rose Chepyator-Thomson, 706/542-4434, jchepyat@coe.uga.edu