Kenya’s 3,000m steeplechase sensation Doris Lemngole is confident of a dominant 2027 campaign after turning professional by signing a full contract with Swiss sportswear giant On.
Lemngole previously partnered with the brand through a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) agreement, which allowed her to earn compensation as a student-athlete while maintaining NCAA eligibility.
By signing a professional contract, she forfeits her collegiate status in exchange for a direct salary, performance bonuses, and official apparel commitments. She joins two-time Olympic medalist Hellen Obiri among On’s elite roster of Kenyan athletes.
“Looking back, signing with On as an NIL athlete was more than just a partnership; it was the beginning of a journey that I will always be grateful for,” Lemngole said.
“From the very beginning, the team showed how dedicated they were to me and genuinely cared about me, not only as an athlete but as a person. Their belief in me throughout my college career meant so much.”
Lemngole leaves the collegiate ranks as one of the most decorated NCAA athletes in recent history. Last season, she completed a hat-trick of titles by winning the 3,000m steeplechase (8:58.15), the indoor 5,000m (15:05.93) and the NCAA cross-country championship (18:25.4).
Her historic campaign earned her the Bowerman Award, the highest individual honor in American collegiate track and field.
“Officially turning professional with On feels like the start of a new chapter,” she added. “I am incredibly grateful, excited, and ready to keep dreaming bigger, chasing new goals, and seeing where this journey takes us next. This is only the beginning.”
The 2026 season provided strong evidence of her potential on the world stage. After finishing second in the NCAA indoor 5,000m in March (15:03.42), Lemngole shifted focus to the Diamond League circuit.
Following fourth-place finishes in Eugene (8:57.89) and Lausanne (9:07.09), she hit her stride late in the season, placing second in Zurich (8:55.94) and closing her year with an 8:52.86 runner-up finish behind world champion Faith Cherotich (8:51.61) at the Brussels Diamond League Final.
