•Bett missed out on the finals of the 3000m steeplechase in Tokyo after finishing fifth in his heat
•He is targeting a podium finish and a new personal best in Oregon or Birmingham
•Bett also believes Kenya can redeem itself in Oregon after losing the steeplechase title in Tokyo
Image: ERICK BARASA
The 2017 World Under 18 2000m steeplechase champion Leonard Bett counts his debut at last year's Tokyo Olympics as a step forward in his career despite failing to make the final of the men's 3000m steeplechase.
Bett said he is building upon his maiden appearance at the quadrennial games as he seeks to claim a podium place at the senior level this year.
"I don't count it as a disappointment but an achievement even though I failed to make the final. It was a step forward considering I started my athletics career in 2017 at the World Under 18 Championship. My transition to the senior level has been smooth thus far and I expect to improve," the 2018 World Under 20 3000m steeplechase silver medalist said.
Bett missed out on the finals of the 3000m steeplechase in Tokyo after finishing fifth in his heat. Two years earlier, he finished ninth in the same race at the World Championship in Doha, Qatar.
He is expecting a busy year as he eyes a place at the Commonwealth Games (Birmingham), World Championship (Oregon), Senior Africa Championships (Mauritius), and the Diamond League series.
"My dream had been to make it to the Olympics and I achieved that. The next step is for me to win a medal in the senior category be it at the Commonwealth or the World Championship. I also want to lower my personal best," Bett said.
Overall, 2021 was a disappointing year for Kenya in 3000m steeplechase after losing the Olympic title for the first time in 53 years, courtesy of Soufiane El Bakkali.
The Moroccan repeated the trick at the Kip Keino Classic in September when he crossed the finish line at Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
Regardless, Bett believes Kenya can redeem itself with a monstrous performance in Oregon.
"It (World Championship) presents us with the chance for redemption. We are not worried about losing the Olympic title because Kenya is overflowing with talent in the steeplechase. There was Ezekiel (Kemboi), Conseslus (Kipruto) and now there are the likes of Serem (World Under 20 Champion)and I," he said.
Bett has been a regular in local races held this year, competing at the Agnes Tirop Memorial World Cross Country Tour in Eldoret as well as the third leg of Athletics Kenya track and field weekend meeting at Nyayo Stadium.
At the March 5 competition in the capital, he ran in the men's 5000m where he won Heat 1 of the time-based final, clocking 14:01.60.
His fellow Bomet native, Shadrack Rono (14:03.76) and Ngong's Joseph Kimutai (14:06.22) finished second and third respectively.
"I have been using these competitions as a build-up for this year's international assignments. I was at the Agnes Tirop Memorial because I also love cross country. I have been working on my endurance and I think I am getting better. What remains is to improve on my speed," he said.