•The World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting was the latest of Chebet's master-class acts on the international front.
•Despite the string of milestones she has attained in her stellar career thus far, the National Police Service officer says she still has some unfinished business on the track.
Image: XINHUA
After adding another feather to her cap with an impressive win at the Cross Internacional Juan Muguerza in the Spanish town of Elgoibar last week, Beatrice Chebet reckons she is destined for greatness.
In an exclusive interview, Chebet said the victory had set her season in motion, pledging to unpack more surprises in due time.
The World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting was the latest of her master-class acts on the international front.
Chebet was on a roll in Spain, tearing the competition asunder to blaze to a well-deserved victory. She timed 25:21 to wrap up first ahead of Uganda’s Sarah Chelangat (25:36) and Edinah Jebitok (25:44).
“The downpour that preceded the race made it all the more challenging. But I’m glad I managed a world record,” Chebet remarked.
Despite the string of milestones she has attained in her stellar career thus far, the National Police Service officer says she still has some unfinished business on the track.
The diminutive middle-distance sensation said she would take another stab at a race in Eldoret on February 3 before travelling to Belgrade to defend her world cross-country title.
In Belgrade, she will hope to crack another masterstroke performance akin to the historic glory she basked in when she tucked away the 5km title in Barthust, Australia last February.
With the Commonwealth Games 5000m crown safely tucked away in her bag, Chebet said she has honed her skills sufficiently to secure a podium finish at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Chebet, who blazed to the bronze medal in her specialty at the Budapest World Championships in July, said she is ready to secure the coveted gold at the quadrennial global extravaganza that will be held in July and August.
“I have prepared well for the Olympics. Winning an Olympic medal is everyone’s dream and I am no different,” Chebet said.
Her impressive track credentials include the gold medal she stormed in the 5km race at the inaugural World Road Running Championships held in Riga.
She cruised through the course in an amazing 14:35 to register the fifth fastest time in the history of the 5km road race, further cementing her status as a dominant force on the international front.
The victory embellished her rich trophy cabinet which also boasts a gold bagged at the World Cross Country Championship held in Bathurst, Australia in February.
Despite crashing to the more decorated compatriot Faith Kipyegon and Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands in the 5000m at the World Championships in Belgrade, Hungary, Chebet said she will do her best to reclaim her bragging rights in the 12-lap race.
The presence of compatriot Faith in the race is a great source of inspiration, adding that she is not quacking in her boots at the mere thought of facing her.
“It will make the race all the more interesting and I believe the country is bound to benefit immensely if we field a strong team in Paris,” Chebet said.