Chepkoech, Kiprop vow to continue Kenya's unmatched steeplechase record

Kaptagat's Jackline Chepkoech and Silibwet's Simon Kiprop displayed excellent front running at the World Under-20 Athletics Championship trials at Kasarani to win the women's and men's 3000m steeplechase respectively. 

Chepkoech is looking to emulate her idol, Beatrice Chepkoech and rule the roost when the World converges for the junior event set for August 17-22 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. 

In a very comfortable race that allowed her to even slow down and urge her Global Sports teammate Faith Cherotich on, Chepkoech clocked 9:32.99 ahead Cherotich's 9:33.02 as the two strolled their way to the Kenyan team. 

"The race today was easy, I did not struggle at all. That means my preparation worked but now the real work begins. I go back to Kaptagat and work on my speed because I know the championship will be a new challenge altogether. I am just getting started and the World Under-20 title will just be the beginning. My dream is to break Beatrice Chepkoech's record," said the 18-year-old who draws her inspiration from the world champion and Hyvin Kiyeng. 

On his part, Kiprop got the better of Amos Serem in 8:18.43 to win the men's race as the second-place finisher clocked 8:20.26. 

"I am really impressed with my run today and I thank God. It was a very competitive race but I was prepared well. I have been waiting for this moment since last year and I'm glad it is now happening. I knew my opponents' strength and I had a game plan and tactics to win the race," said Kiprop adding that he is looking forward to emulating his training mate Leonard Bett and steeplechase greats Ezekiel Kemboi and Conseslus Kipruto. 

On his part, Serem, who will be representing the country for the first time says he has drawn inspiration from his senior training partners among Geoffrey Kamworor and Nicholas Kimeli and will be looking to snatch gold from the tough field expected at Kasarani next month. 

Meanwhile, 400m sensation Sylvia Chelagat who clocked 55.21 to win the race says with a month of training scheduled for the team ahead of the championship, she is confident of medaling. The qualification time was set at 54.85 and despite falling short, she gets a chance to compete as World Athletics allows host nations to field one athlete in events they have not attained the qualifying standards. 

"I have not trained well since I was in school. I just got a chance to go to camp in Kapsabet for a week ahead of the trials and within that week I have noticed great improvement in my time. I am using the 400m race as a stepping stone to my race of choice 800m. Janet Jepkosgei, whom I train under, has been a great inspiration and I believe under her guidance I will become a great 800m runner," said Chelagat, a student at Lelu Secondary in Kericho. 

Meanwhile, in the men's 5000m, Levi Kibet was peerless as he won in 13:26.11 ahead of Benson Kiplagat (13:40.41). 

"I have won but I still need to work on my speed ahead of the championships. We have tough athletes who will be coming home to compete with us and I have to defend Kenya's gold in the event," said the Kosirai High School form 3 student. 

"The race was tight and coming in second was good progress. I am happy to make team Kenya. I had made the team for the Africa Cross Country Championships set for Lome, Togo which was never to be so this is a chance to show what I am made of," said Kuresoi-based Kiplagat.