Chepkoech: I am under no pressure

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Beatrice Chepkoech, the new world 3,000m steeplechase record holder, says she is not under pressure to perform well as she leads the Kenyan onslaught at the 21st Africa Senior Athletics Championships that start in Asaba, Nigeria, on Wednesday.

Chepkoech, who set a jaw-dropping 8:44.32 world record inside Stade Louis II in Monaco last week to erase the 8:52.78 mark set by Kenyan-born-Bahraini Ruth Jebet, has put the Africa title in her cross hairs and longs pick ticket to the IAAF Inter-Continental Championships set for Ostrava, Czech Republic, in September.

“I knew I could run well in Monaco and expected to break the world record. But not with a wide margin of eight seconds,” Chepkoech told Standard Sports at the team’s residential camp yesterday.  

She added: “I expect to do well and I am under no pressure as I head to Asaba. I will strive to win and make the African team to Inter-Continental Cup. I will also strive to win the IAAF Diamond League Trophy.”

Born in 1991 in Kimulot, Bomet County, Chepkoech has prominently featured in the national team since making her debut at the 2015 All Africa Games where she bagged bronze in 1500m. She also  bagged silver in 1500m at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, last April.

She finished fourth in 3000m steeplechase at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the IAAF World Athletics Championships in London last year.

In Nigeria, Chepkoech will marshal forces with two-time World Under-20 steeplechase champion and world junior record holder Celliphine Chespol and youngster Fancy Cherono.

The squad will strive to ensure Kenya retains the Africa title last won by Norah Jeruto in Durban in 2016 where compatriot Agnes Chesang claimed silver.

Team Kenya head coach Stephen Mwaniki expressed confidence that his charges will reclaim the top spot in Nigeria but could not rule out stiff challenge from West Africans in sprints and traditional rivals Ethiopian and Ugandans who will offer tough competition in middle and long distance races.

“The camp is now full house. The preparation has been great and the prospects is good ahead of our departure. We are just putting on final touches and expect a good show in Nigeria. We want to reclaim top position,” said Mwaniki.

He added: “We are aware of the challenge from West African countries as they are strong in sprints and field events. We expect challenge from Ethiopians and Ugandans.” The team leaves on Monday.