Siblings Elvin and Collins Kibet may be far away from their hometown of Eldoret, Kenya, but having the special opportunity to compete together, train together and always have the other by their side has made them feel closer to home.

So far, the Kibets have had an outdoor season consisting of record-breaking performances and personal best times for the Arizona track and field team.

Over the weekend at the Mt. SAC Relays, Collins Kibet, a sophomore, posted the second-best time of his career in the 800-meter run, clocking a 1:47.23 time.

He has set a high standard for himself, as this time was still short of his 1:46.87 time he posted at the ASU Invitational at the end of March. That mark is currently his personal best, the best time in the nation and the second best in UA history.

When asked what it means to have his big sister on the team with him, Collins Kibet said how much it means to him and how much they have been able to help each other.  

“Having Elvin here makes me feel at home,” Collins Kibet said. “I consider myself lucky. We talk almost every day. I’m there for her, and she’s there for me.”

Collins Kibet also said he cherishes the opportunity to be on a sports team with his sister, something that does not happen all that often in collegiate sports.

Arizona coach Fred Harvey said he looks forward to watching Collins Kibet develop even more in the program. He said he believes he is quickly forming into an elite 800-meter runner.

“Collins is coming into his own as [a] national competitor,” Harvey said. “His ability to grow has sparked a lot of fire in the men’s team.”

Collin’s sister, Elvin Kibet, a redshirt senior, is finishing her season on a high note as well.

In the Jim Click Shootout on April 9-11, Harvey had Elvin Kibet compete in the 1500-meter race, an event she rarely competes in.

She still managed to not only win the event but also set a personal record of 4:23.61. After running such a fast time in an event she is not accustomed to, she was still able to win the 3000-meter race later on that day.

Just last weekend, she ran the 5K race in 15:36.08, setting a new personal record and breaking the school record, which was previously set by Amy Skieresz in 1998.

When Elvin Kibet was asked what it’s like to have her little brother by her side, she said she feels fortunate and lucky to have such a unique opportunity.

“Having Collins is really a blessing,” Elvin said. “I talk to him more than anybody. I feel fortunate and blessed.”

She also said they help each other out the most of everyone on the team.

Harvey commended Elvin’s ability to shine in more aspects than just on the track.

“She has brought so much to our program,” Harvey said.

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