World Cross Country bronze medallist Agnes Ngetich has fired a warning shot to her rivals in the women's 5000m ahead of the eagerly-awaited Kip Keino Classic tour in Nairobi next month.
In an exclusive interview on Wednesday, Ngetich, 22, vowed to light up Moi Stadium, Kasarani track on May 13 with her eyes firmly set on the coveted title.
"I'm ready to make a huge statement at the Kip Keino Classic in May. I'm looking forward to the big day," Ngetich asserted.
She heads to the competition high on confidence after a scintillating performance in Bathurst, Australia where she stormed to the podium in the 10km race behind compatriot Beatrice Chebet and Ethiopian silver medallist Tsigie Gebreselama.
Chebet clocked 33:48, eight seconds ahead of Tsigie as Ngetich closed the top three in 34:00.
These performances helped Kenya to top of the world with six gold, two silver and two bronze medals.
Ngetich has now asked Chebet to prepare for the mother of all battles, stating clearly that she will be jutting out her full talons in their next duel.
"Anything could happen in a race but I'm working extremely hard to beat Beatrice since she is the only person I consider better than me at the moment," Ngetich said.
"Running against her has always been amazing. We were supposed to team up with her at the Boston Athletics Association 5K race on April 15 but she didn't turn up."
Ngetich said she has spent quality time at Kechei training camp in Iten, oiling her legs sufficiently to glide to victory.
"I have confidence that I will have attained the desired speed by race day. I've been training well and I feel my form has greatly improved. I'm ready to post good results," Ngetich said.
Ngetich will be relying on her impressive track record to propel herself to victory and history speaks volumes about her great potential.
In March 2019, aged 18, Ngetich won the 5000m at the Kenya African Under-20 Trials.
She wrapped up in the top five at the Kenyan Cross Country Championships that were held at the Iten grounds in Elgeyo Marakwet County in November 2021.
In September 2022, she emerged second at the Brasov Running Festival 10km road race in Romania, and on February 18, she won the world cross bronze Down Under.
