Jepkosgei to mount a strong title defence in Berlin

By Mutwiri Mutuota

To the world, Janeth Jepkosgei was the designated queen of 800m until her ‘reign was cut short’ by the emergence of Pamela Jelimo.

She made history on August 28, 2007, when she won gold at Osaka World Championships with 1:56.04 to become the first female Kenyan middle distance runner to achieve the honour.

Unbeaten in seven races that year, Jepkosgei who entered the big stage by dethroning Mozambique legend Maria Mutola as Commonwealth Champion in 2006 was installed as heir to ‘Maputo Express’. However, Olympic champion, Jelimo, then 18, stormed the scene scorching all comers in women’s 800m last year.

But now, the ‘Eldoret Express’ as Jepkosgei, 25, is affectionately known is keen to bring her groove back by mounting a strong title defence in Berlin.

"I’m working hard especially on my speed to have a stronger finish. I want to be competitive and win a medal in Berlin," she told international media that visited her as part of IAAF’s Day in Life project in May.

Narrow the gap

On Jelimo, she says, "When Pamela came, she took everyone by surprise. This year, I want to narrow the gap. When I saw her for the first time, I told her she had the body and advantage.

Janeth Jepkosgei during National Trials at Nyayo National Stadium last weekend. [PHOTO: STAFFORD ONDEGO/STANDARD]

"I don’t regret her coming, sport is a field that is free for everybody and I take everything positively. Everyone was expecting me to win the Olympics but she beat everyone and I was happy to be second to her. She’s a good lady, I’m fine with Pamela and when we meet, we talk and she likes to ask me questions."

On whether she is aiming to beat her younger compatriot, Jepkosgei disclosed. "I don’t run against Pamela, I ran against myself. We are like sisters in this game and I’m under no pressure to beat her."

Despite her apparent relegation to the backburner since Jelimo’s arrival, to residents of Kapsumbeiywo Sub Location, Kaplamai Location, Nandi Central District, Jepkosgei remains the queen of hearts.

The world champion has come to the aid of her former school, Kapsumbeiywo Primary where three of nine teachers are on her employ.

Funded develpment

Jepkosgei has also funded development of the institutions’ Administration Block, Library and she is in the process of bringing power to the school.

Headmaster, Jamin Seurei, said, "We are all proud and indebted to her for what she has done to this and other schools in the area."

Jepkosgei also educates two Moi University female students and another seven in high school from her area.

"They are trying to be where I am but I advised them to seek education first. I wanted to be a nurse but my running career took off. I was lucky but for them, if their careers do not turn out like mine, they have education to fall back on."

In addition, the former 400m Hurdler and Singore Girls alumnus has been sponsoring talented girls from her region participate in competitions. One of her protÈgÈs, Eunice Sum (2:10.4) was fourth at last week’s Nationals.

After taking silver (1:56.07), Jepkosgei returned home where she organised a competition in her home for youngsters as well supporting the six church projects she jointly backs with men’s 800m champion, Alfred Kirwa, Isaac Songok, Augustine Choge and Athens 2004 gold winner, Ezekiel Kemboi.

This season, she has competed twice in Doha where she clocked 4:13.87 for 11th over 1,500m and at last week’s 4X400m relays for the Kenya Police team where she aided them to victory.

 

 

Read all about: Pamela Jelimo Berlin

 

 

---