World Under-20 3000m steeplechase champion Faith Cherotich plans to invest more time in training ahead of next year’s World Cross-Country Championships on February 18, 2023 in Bathurst, Australia.
During the Athletics Kenya national trials for the global show, Cherotich won the 6km Under-20 women's race in 19:16.00, ahead of Sheila Chebet and Joyline Chepkemoi who timed 19:32.80 and 19:35.50 respectively.
Despite the dominant display, Cherotich said she had not trained well for the race and it was a bit tough for her even though she led from start to finish.
“My training before the trials was not that intensive. I struggled to keep up but the race wasn’t that tough. I want to go back to the drawing board and invest more time in training as I get ready for next year's world cross country championships,” Cherotich said.
“Leading from the start is a strategy that always works for me because you never know what might happen if you stick with the others.”
She said her target is to bring a medal home from Australia. However, Cherotich revealed that the Ethiopians remains her greatest threat as she prepares for the global show.
“I want to run well and finish among the top three. I feel some pressure because people also expect me to do well. I am also aware of the stiff competition expected,” she said.
Meanwhile, the 2015 world 10,000m silver medallist Geoffrey Kamworor said he needs to work on his speed to increase his chances of clinching the global title.
The seasoned all-surface runner said he had an injury which stagnated his training for close to two months.
Kamworor placed sixth (28:34.6) in the men’s 10km senior race which was won by Sebastian Kimaru in 28:22.5.
“I never had any pressure during the trials because I knew I hadn’t trained well and anything could happen. My endurance is on point and my major undoing is speed, that’s what I am going to work on,” Kamworor said.
He added that athletes should make team work a priority to increase their chances of performing well.
“I am not sure if AK will organise a joint training camp for us but I would urge all the athletes to practice team work,” he said.
