Semenya’s absence does not make me favourite, says Jepkosgei

By James Waindi

Despite the absence of reigning world 800m champion South Africa’s Caster Semenya from the 17th Africa Senior Athletics Championships in Nairobi, former world champion and Olympic silver medalist Janeth Jepkosgei still believes the race will not be a walk in the park.

Jepkosgei, who is also known as ‘Eldoret Express’, lost the world title to the controversial Semenya in Berlin last year, but has been tipped as the best African athlete over the distance this season. She has played down the favourite tag and said that she expects a stiff challenge at the race.

Olympic silver medallist Janeth Jepkosgei training at the Moi Kasarani Stadium, Friday. [PHOTOS: STAFFORD ONDEGO/STANDARD]

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There is Hasna Benhassi from Morocco who is always very good and everyone in the race will be coming to win, so I cannot seat back and relax," said Jepkosgei at the camp in Kasarani yesterday.

"I have to train hard because, like everyone else, I also want the gold medal and it never comes on a silver platter," said Jepkosgei.

In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, two years ago, Jepkosgei was invited as a special guest to grace the African Championships, but the former world champion will be a participant at the 17th edition in Nairobi from July 28-August 1 and she is not taking it for granted.

"I don’t fear Semenya. I even wish she was available for the Nairobi championship for me to take my revenge. I heard that she ran 2:04.22 in Finland yesterday and I don’t know why she was omitted in the South African squad," said Jepkosgei.

Jepkosgei finished in a disappointing eighth position at the Gateshead Grand Prix at the weekend, but the Olympic silver medalist is optimistic of bouncing back during the Nairobi event.

"I had a poor race in Gateshead. I started with slow pacemakers and my final kick was not good enough. It was disappointing, but it has not affected my morale in any way. I’m sure I will bounce back at the championships.

"My personal best this season is 1:57.84 and I know I can improve on it," said Jepkosgei,

who will be running the 800m race with Eunice Sum and Winnie Chebet.

Meanwhile, the camp is almost full house with the arrivals of Alfred Kirwa, Mathew

Kisorio, Asbel Kiprop, Pauline Korikwang and Jepkosgei.