Kericho-based former gold medalist in the World Cross Country Championships mixed relay category held in Bathurst, Australia, in February this year, Miriam Cherop, is set to represent Kenya at the 2023 Yogibo Athletics Challenge Cup Games scheduled to take place next month.
Miriam Cherop featured in the 4 by 2km mixed relay race with team mates Daniel Munguti, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, and Brenda Chebet and reclaimed the title they had lost four years ago, beating Ethiopia with the host country Australia taking the bronze medal.
In an interview with KNA at Gariette training grounds during a training session of seasoned and upcoming Kericho athletes, the 24-year-old two-time gold medalist who missed the just concluded 2023 World Athletics Championships held in Budapest, Hungary, was optimistic of running her best and making it to the podium.
She will feature in the women’s 1500m track discipline in Yogibo, Japan, to be held from September 30 to October 1.
“I am happy with my training and performance as I work closely with my coach, Gabriel. I am positive I will do my best at the international race and bring home a gold medal.” said Cherop.
The seasoned athlete in the 10km and 2km senior women disciplines bagged silver in the 2018 World Under-20, 1500m held in Tampere, Finland, and is the reigning 2016 Africa Junior Women Cross Country champion.
Speaking to KNA, Coach Gabriel Kiptanui said Cherop is dedicated and disciplined in her training, has posted excellent personal best times in both local and international races, and is hopeful that she will bring home gold.
“I am positive Miriam will continue posting excellent results at the Yogibo Athletics Challenge Cup Games. She has great potential and is talented in her track disciplines.” said Kiptanui.
Kiptanui trains more than 25 athletes, adding that the region has great potential for producing great runners, with many having brought home medals after competing in world athletic championships.
Runners in Kiptanui’s stable include female long-distance runner and 2015 steeplechase world champion Stella Chelangat, 2019 World U20800m silver medalist in Tampere, Finland, Alex Kipngetich Ngeno, 2013 World U18 1500M steeplechase gold medalist Robert Biwott, Mercy Cherono, who broke the world youth record in women’s 3000m in 2007 in Ostrava, Czech Republic, and reigning World 3000m steeplechase champion Beatrice Chepkoech.
By Sarah Njagi
