Kenya’s world 5,000 m silver medallist Sylvia Kibet to launch campaign at Shanghai DL

Nairobi

The story of Kenya’s world 5,000m silver medallist Sylvia Kibet’s career so far has been a remarkable one. The ending could be even better.

Kibet, who leads a galaxy of Kenyan stars to the second leg of the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Shanghai tomorrow, wants to make a mark on her debut this season over the 3,000m distance.

The Kenyans departed on Wednesday to Shanghai via Dubai. Her main rivals including former World 10,000m champion Linet Masai, Olympic 5,000m winner Meseret Defer (Ethiopia) and Mercy Cherono.

“There is an anxious moment for all athletes in the long distance because we are all making our first show on the international scene. It will be difficult and strange to everyone running in Shanghai,” said Kibet, Wednesday in Nairobi.

At 29, Kibet is in her peak in the distance running, but she has failed to break that jinx that has seen her finish second best in numerous international competitions.

Hinge on luck

However, sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.

“Of course the focus is on the World Championships in Moscow in August. I am ready to challenge my opponents again after recovering from injury that saw me fail to make Kenya team to the London Olympics,” she said.

Kibet, who has been unlucky picking just two silver medals in the last two World championships, is certain this will be her year of glory as she hopes to be third time lucky in Moscow.

“Everyone is focused on the big competition. It is a process, a journey that starts at the beginning of the year. For me, Shanghai Diamond league will be my entry.