Rising Steeplechase Star Mercy Chepngeno Signs Landmark NIL Deal with Swiss Sportswear Brand On
KERICHO, KENYA – February 13, 2026 – Swiss sportswear brand On is proud to announce the signing of 18-year-old Kenyan athletics sensation Mercy Chepngeno to a NIL deal. The partnership marks a significant milestone for Chepngeno, a Form 3 student at Chagaik Secondary School in Kenya, as she joins the ranks of elite global student-athletes representing the brand.
Born in the village of Lesirwo, Kericho County, Kenya, Chepngeno captured the hearts of the running world in 2024 when photos of her competing barefoot at the KSSSA Regional Levels in Kapsabet went viral. Since then, she has dominated the junior ranks, recently securing Gold in both the 3,000m steeplechase and 1,500m at the 2026 Track and Field Open in Thika, Kenya, and Silver at the Africa U-20 Championships in Nigeria last year.
Under the guidance of her Coach, 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.”
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About On
On was born in the Swiss Alps in 2010 with the mission to ignite the human spirit through movement – a mission that still guides the brand today. Sixteen years after market launch, On delivers industry-disrupting innovation in premium footwear, apparel and accessories for high-performance running, outdoor, training, all-day activities and tennis. On’s award-winning CloudTec® and LightSpray™ innovation, purposeful design and groundbreaking strides within the circular economy have attracted a fast-growing global fan base – inspiring humans to explore, discover and Dream On.
On is present in more than 80 countries globally and engages with a digital community on www.on.com.