OREGON22: Kenyan trio confident of clean sweep in 5000m

Despite acknowledging the tough task at hand, the Kenyan trio of Beatrice Chebet, Margaret Kipkemboi, and Gloria Kite are confident of mining medals in the 5000m of the ongoing World Athletics Championships.

The trio sealed a place in the 5000m finals after decent results in the semis as they hope to increase Kenya’s medal count in the race that is slated for Sunday 24 July at 4:25 am (EAT).

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Gloria Kite who finished sixth in the second heat was wary of the Ethiopians threat with Letesenbet Gidey posting the best time in the semis but set her sights on a medal.

“We will do our best to ensure all of us get a medal, it is not easy but we will give it our best shot. The heat did not make it easier for us and that is why I had a slow time. The Ethiopians are tough but we will push ourselves,” said Kite.

With the 2019 Doha World Championships winner Hellen Obiri opting for 10000m, Kenya's best shot at defending the crown falls on Beatrice Chebet who posted the fastest time of the three athletes.

Chebet also bemoaned the sweltering heat in Oregon as she admitted that getting a medal will not be a walk in the park but she will still put her best foot forward.

“The heat really affected us and the humidity is also not that good, we thank God that we are in the final and we will try our best to get a medal to improve our tally on the medal standings

The final will not be easy but we have to try our best, especially me because this my first time to run in the semis as I am used to getting into the finals directly. We are hopeful for a medal and this being my first time in the World Championships I thank God,” said Chebet.

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I want to win any kind of medal however anything can happen and everyone is capable of winning a medal, I pray that we will have good health before the final and whatever the outcome, we will thank God,” added Chebet.

Margaret Kipkemboi on her part noted that the final will be a competitive one with Olympic gold medalist Sifan Hassan part of the stellar start list as she also set herself a target for winning a medal for Kenya.