Teenage sensation Chepkirui anticipating smooth transition to senior ranks

Having already tested waters in senior Athletics with silver at the African Championships, Purity Chepkirui has pronounced herself ready to make her full switch to the senior ranks after a successful junior career. 

The World Under-20 1500m bronze medalist is now ready to rub shoulders with other world beaters as a senior athlete and is already plotting for the World Championships set for Budapest in 2023. 

Cherotich, Kirui to lead junior team to World Cross

On the weekend, the 19-year-old was part of the star-studded furled that lined up for the national World Cross Country Championships trials held on Saturday in Ruiru where she clocked 34:10.8. 

Although she did not finish in a position that could grant her a ticket to Bathurst, Australia where the global cross country event will be held on 18 February 2023, she was impressed with her performance. 

"I am happy with the progress so far. I have competed with the senior athletes in several competitions and as I look to transition fully in the new season, I feel confident that my switch will be smooth," offered the soft-spoken former world Under-20 champion.

In the busy 2022 season, Chepkirui could have elected to represent the country in the senior ranks at the international stage but elected to head to Cali, Colombia for the World Under-20 championships where she hoped to defend her 2021 title. 

However, heading to the competition with a nagging injury, the teenager could only manage bronze as Kenya in a commendable performance as her discomfort was clearly visible throughout her competition. 

"I had qualified for the World Championships in Oregon during the trials but decided to have another go at the Under-20 title. I am happy with my achievements in the junior category but now I hope to make the same impact for the senior team. 

I will begin my preparations for Budapest with the Kenyan outdoor track events but I have been competing in cross country in November and December as part of my endurance training," Chepkirui explained. 

Before lining up for the Kenyan cross country trials, the form two student had competed in three events in the world cross country tour, managing silver at the Atapuerca International Cross Country Tour in Spain.