National Cross Country silver medallist Daisy Cherotich says she did not expect to set a personal best of 30:37.31 during the women's 10,000m at the FBK World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event in Hengelo on Sunday.
Cherotich finished third in a race in which Dutch Sifan Hassan set a new world record of 29:06.82 in the women's 10000m whereas another Kenyan, Irine Jepchumba Kimais, finished second in 30:37.24.
"Setting a personal best was not something I expected because I was only running to finesse my speedwork ahead of the Olympics trials. I was so elated and I thank God for the result. I had arrived late in Hengelo and was a bit tired from rushing to the stadium," Cherotich said.
Cherotich said she is daring to dream about smashing the world record, much like Hassan — albeit she says all her attentions are currently on the upcoming national trials for the Tokyo Olympics.
"When I came up at the starting line with her (Hassan), I knew she wanted to set a new world record but either way, I had vowed to battle her to the last drop. Personally, I had prayed for a podium finish and was so delighted to make the podium with a personal best," she said.
Despite the crowded field of 10,000m specialists eyeing a place in Kenya's team to Tokyo, Cherotich believes she is more than equipped for a podium finish during the June 17-19 trials at Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
"That is my ultimate dream, to make it to the final team and represent the country in Tokyo. I am working hard towards a podium finish and am sure it will pay off. I may also compete in the 5,000m but only if I have enough energy left after the 10,000m," the Discovery Kenya Cross Country women's champion said.
An appearance in Tokyo will cap off a memorable year for Cherotich, who has enjoyed good fortunes this year.
Apart from finishing second at the National Cross Country Championships and winning the Discovery Kenya Cross Country Championships in February, Cherotich also won the 5,000m women's race during the 1st leg of the Athletics Kenya Track and Field Weekend meeting in March.
