Marathon world record-holder Sabastian Sawe received a hero's welcome in Kenya, with thousands of fans thronging Nairobi's airport and the country's president awarding him cash and a car.

The 31-year-old posted the first-ever official sub-two-hour marathon time of 1:59:30 at the London Marathon on Sunday, shattering the previous world record by more than a minute.

Upon his return late Wednesday, Sawe's aircraft was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. President William Ruto welcomed him at State House, presenting him with 8 million Kenyan shillings ($62,064) and a car.

Chaotic celebratory scenes unfolded at the airport press conference, with fans hailing him as a hero. Many admitted they were unaware of Sawe before his feat, with fan David Gitonga saying: "Seeing him in real life was very special and inspiring, knowing he's an ordinary person like me."

Sawe was welcomed by his parents and Sports Minister Salim Mvurya. His mother Emily recalled: "He would run too fast during bath time, so I knew this boy would shine one day." His father Simion Kiplagat Sawe said poor TV signal prevented him from seeing the finish live.

Sawe expressed pride in his achievement and plans to lower the record further. Coach Claudio Bertelli noted: "He followed pacemakers for 27km, then took control with courage and determination."

President Ruto lauded Sawe: "You have not only broken a record but expanded the horizon of human potential. You have made the impossible possible, inspiring a nation and the world." Sawe gifted the president an autographed Adidas shoe worn during the marathon and a photo of the record-breaking moment.

Source: www.aljazeera.com