• The Ethiopians used Chepkoech for pace only to take off in the final lap to post a clean sweep.
• The 25-year-old was a lone ranger and battled off the three Ethiopians —Kefale Belew, Amare Tekan and Aberu Ayana— in a mission that looked impossible.
Image: CHRIS MBAISI
Janeth Chepng’etich says her mission in the 10,000m race during the African Games in Accra, Ghana, was to revenge Beatrice Chepkoech’s defeat in the 5000m.
The Ethiopians used Chepkoech for pace only to take off in the final lap to post a clean sweep.
“I felt bad that Chepkoech had paced them all along only to come out with nothing,” said Chepng’etich.
She was psyched up for the ‘do-or-die’ race.
“I was ready for them and it did not matter what tactics they engaged. I was ready to die for my country in this race,” she declared.
“I know they had planned the same for me but they found a different ball game. I couldn't allow them to bully me in this race because I had watched their counterparts in the 5,000m and I knew they would do the same with me. There was no way I was going to allow them.”
Shas never lost to Ethiopians. Chepng’etich’s medal was the sixth gold for Kenya in the two-week event.
The 25-year-old was a lone ranger and battled off the three Ethiopians —Kefale Belew, Amare Tekan and Aberu Ayana— in a mission that looked impossible.
She won the race in 33:37.00, Belew was second in 33:38.37 as Tekan sealed the podium places in 33:51.57.
Another Ethiopian, Aberu Ayana and Sierra Leone’s Theresa Kargo finished fourth and fifth in 34:45.37 and 37:24 respectively.
Chepng’etch’s quest for Olympic Games participation is on course, having qualified by time (29:55) from the 10K Valencia Ibercaja and will only need to rank in the top three during the Kenyan trials.
Meanwhile, Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum wants athletes to invest wisely to secure their future.
They have realised athletes have a problem with managing their earnings and the ministry is planning financial management training for them.
While addressing Team Kenya in Accra, Tum said they are working on a Cabinet Memo with the help of experts to secure athletes’ Social Welfare.
“We want you people to secure your futures. That is why we are doing all this. President William Ruto is also supportive and is aware of these efforts,” the PS noted.
“We have so far improved the reward schemes and allowances for all sportspersons on international assignments. We are also working round the clock to improve your conditions in training while preparing for international competitions. The government is also looking into issues such as employment and pension funds. In all these, we are working closely with the corporate sector,” he said.
This is in addition to employment opportunities with the uniformed forces.
He described Kenya’s performance at the Games as disciplined and diligent.
“When I landed here (Accra), I was informed you were placed 40th on the medal table. That shocked me. I asked myself how that could be, especially in a continental event. Little did I know you were warming up for a medal haul as was the case on Thursday when you won four golds,” the PS said.
“You guys have done the country proud…I don’t want to single anyone out. All of you have been excellent. Most of you are young and I know the future is bright for you,” he said.
The Sports PS had earlier visited his Ghanaian counterpart, William Kartey.
The two discussed sports facilities and their collaboration with respective sports federations.
Kenya will consult Ghana on various issues as preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, gather pace.
“I am sure it is not easy to host all these countries. We would love to know how you did it considering we are hosting the 2027 Afcon tournament,” said Tum.