The Kericho Athletics Club’s three gold medalists in the World Athletics Cross Country championships that took place on 18 February 2023 in Bathurst, Australia are now ready to take on another challenge at the upcoming World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
The 2023 nineteenth edition of the World Athletics Championships is scheduled to be held from 19 to 27 August 2023.
Beatrice Chebet will participate in the 5000 Meters, Daniel Munguti (1500 meters), and Miriam Cherop (800 Meters and 1500 Meters) races.
Speaking to KNA during the athletes’ training session at the Kericho Green Stadium, the Kericho branch Athletics Kenya Vice Chairman Gabriel Kiptanui was optimistic that the three champions would make the country proud again by winning the gold medals at the upcoming World championships.
“We are really banking on the three to showcase their talents on the world stage and we are confident that they will do a commendable job. Right now, they are focusing on training speed and endurance,” said Kiptanui
As for Beatrice Chebet, she is also gearing up for the continental tour competitions to be held this coming Saturday at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi where she is hopeful of emerging victorious.
“I will be participating in the 5000 meters race this Saturday and I welcome Kenyans to come out in large numbers to cheer me up as I break the record for my country Kenya,” remarked Chebet.
She said athletes faced myriads of challenges including injuries that occur mostly during the training sessions that at times it may halt their training routine which can affect their performance during races.
“We are requesting both the national and county governments to provide adequate training facilities including training kits, also refreshment facilitation during the training sessions,” added Chebet
Mr. Kiptanui who doubles up as the Kericho Athletics Club Coach, trains both experienced and upcoming athletes every Tuesday and Thursday at the Kericho Green Stadium.
“Apart from physical training, we also take time to advice and counsel the athletes on anti-doping rules and regulations so that they can always be on the right side of the law,” he said.
By Kibe Mburu and Monica Irua
