Cali 22: Senior experience propelling Purity to title defence

Senior Africa Athletics championship 1500m silver medalist Purity Chepkirui is looking to make her transition to the senior ranks on a high by defending her World Under-20 women’s title in the distance when the junior event takes place in Cali, Colombia.

Chepkirui was a cut above the rest of the field as Kenya held the junior championship’s trials at Nyayo Stadium on Friday 1 July and Saturday 2 July. Chepkirui and Brenda Chebet battled for in the final lap to book tickets to Cali, finishing well ahead of the rest of the field.

The 19-year old who clocked 4:16.28 to bag silver at the African Championships in Mauritius as defending champion Winnie Chebet timed 4:16.10 to claim gold, managed a better time during the Under-20 trials winning in 4:08.08 ahead of Brenda’s 4:08.41.

“I was feeling a bit unwell during the trials so the race was a battle. I am happy to have this chance to represent my country in the junior category one last time as I look to transition fully to the senior ranks.

Team Kenya out to defend WU-20 title in Colombia

From the recent races I feel like my speed has drastically reduced and to be able to compete with the best in the field I will need to work on that in camp before we head out to Cali where I know the competition will be tough,” offered the soft-spoken form Two student at Tiloa Secondary School.

During the World Athletics Championship cum Commonwealth trials held at Kasarani a week to the Under-20 trials, Chepkirui did battle with the seniors, finishing third behind Winnie and Edna Jebitok but Athletics Kenya elected to reserve her for the junior championship.

“Going up against the senior athletes has really motivated me to do better in my races. Next year I will be fully shifting to the seniors and I want to give a good account of myself in this last outing. I am under no pressure as I head out to defend my title in Cali,” she added.

Chepngetich qualifies for WU-20 championship in long jump

Her teammate in the 1500m, Brenda says she had to work hard to keep up with Chepkirui, adding that she has some work to do especially on her finishing.

“I am slow in the 400m and I have to improve on that. I will work with Chepkirui as I feel I have a lot to learn from her and we will also have a strategy to bring back medals when we go to Cali. I had the chance to double with 800m but I have elected to concentrate in the longer distance where I feel more comfortable,” said Brenda.