The women’s 3,000m steeplechase world record holder, Beatrice Chepkoech has expressed glee after propelling Faith Kipyegon to a master-class act at the Paris Diamond League on Friday.
Chepkoech said she is proud to have played a pertinent role in two successive records over the distance, having also contributed to Ethiopian Letesenbet Gidey’s victory in Valencia three years ago.
Kipyegon smashed the 5,000m world record at the Paris Diamond League with a time of 14:05.20, slicing a full second and a half off the previous 14:06.62 set by Gidey in 2020.
Among the three pacesetters aiding the field in Paris was Chepkoech who kept her nerve over the distance.
“It feels good to have been part of the race to ensure all was well as I paced as per time,” Chepkoech said in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.
Chepkoech’s great pacesetting skills came to the fore again in Valencia on October 7, 2020, where she cranked out a relentless tempo and fired Gidey to the 5000m record.
The Ethiopian track sensation smashed the world 5000m record of 14:11.15 previously held by compatriot Tirunesh Dibaba for 12 years.
With a lead of more than two seconds over the world record pace, Chepkoech completed the 3000m in 8:31.85, assisting Gidey to break the tape in 14:06.62, about five seconds faster than the previous record.
“Yes I’m proud I also paced for Gidey as she broke the record in 2020,” Chepkoech said.
She said she now has her sights firmly trained on a successful title defence in Budapest, Hungary this August.
“I am taking everything as a stepping stone for the next race. Participating in the World Championships is everyone’s goal and that’s also my objective.”
She said the cash prize President William Ruto announced for world breakers on Thursday will act as a big incentive for her and other athletes.
The president offered a cash reward of Sh5 million for every single record broken going forward with Kipyegon being the first beneficiary of the reward scheme.
“This is a good motivation to all athletes to be hungrier for more,” Chepkoech remarked.
After a prolonged layoff occasioned by injury, Chepkoech believes she has found her footing on the track again.
She made a return in style with a sublime performance at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi on May 13, where she torched the Moi Stadium, Kasarani track to run away with the 3000m steeplechase title.
“Being an athlete is a career. There are a lot of ups and downs but one must hold on to achieve the goals set.”
While preparing for the arduous task ahead, Chepkoech said she is not so much concerned about lowering her time.
“For now, I am not placing time in my mind for I don’t want to be under so much pressure against time. I aim to improve in every race that I race.”
