World bronze medalist Pamela Kosgei shifts focus to African gold

Fresh from handing Kenya her only individual medal in the junior women’s 6km at the just-concluded World Athletics Cross Country championships, bronze medalist Pamela Kosgei says she is now hungry for a title.

As her attention shifts to track racing, the National Cross-Country champion says she is targeting gold in 3000m steeplechase at the Africa Athletics (CAA) 15th African Under-20 championships set for Lusaka, Zambia from 29 April to 3 May 2023.

World-conquering Team Kenya feted

Kosgei, the younger sister of world marathon record holder Brigid, clocked 21:01 in Bathurst at her first global championship for bronze behind Ethiopian duo of Senayet Getachew and Medina Aisa.

“This was my first time to compete internationally in a cross-country event and to be honest, it was not what I expected. The weather was too warm. But I chose to run my race and I am happy and content with results,” Kosgei offered.

A form four student at St Agatha Mokwo, the teenager says this feat has motivated her to eye gold in her next competition for Team Kenya.

“As I embark on my track training, focus is bringing Kenya gold. I have to switch my training to fit the steeplechase. I am motivated for it all.

In addition to winning my first global medal, the support and motivation I have gotten from my sister has been huge as she pushes me to give my best and believe in myself,” she added.

World Cross Country Championships: Chebet bags senior gold in dramatic finish