Two-time world cross country women’s 10km champion, Beatrice Chebet, is now eyeing a podium finish in the 5,000m at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after defending her title in Belgrade, Serbia.
Chebet said her victory in Serbia is motivational heading into the Olympics slated for July 26-August 11 in Paris, France.
“I’ve started this year on a flying note and want to keep it that way. Defending my crown in Serbia only fuels the fire in me ahead of the Olympics. A podium finish in the 5,000m is my target,” she revealed.
The 24-year-old said cross country was key in her track season preparations. “Cross-country is key in my preparations and buildup for the track season. The track season has just started and I believe I am more than ready,” Chebet added.
Chebet, also a silver medallist in the 5,000m at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, noted that her grit and grind saw her prevail in Belgrade. “The competition was tough, but my determination pushed me to the top,” she declared.
She won her first world cross-country title in 2023 in Bathurst, Australia clocking 33:48.
Ahead of the Olympic Games, Chebet will participate in several Diamond League races, including Doha on May 10 and the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon on May 25.
“I will be taking part in the 3,000m in Doha as well as the 10,000m in Eugene as part of my build-up,” Chebet added.
Elsewhere, the World cross U-20 champion Samuel Kibathi is hoping to make Team Kenya in the 5,000m during the Olympic Trials.
The Japan-based athlete, who trains under coach Steven Njenga expressed confidence in making the team.
National Olympics Committee president Paul Tergat said: “This team has set the pace for the rest of the team that will feature in the Paris Games. We are not going to rest and will ensure we maintain the same tempo at the Olympic Games,” he revealed.
Former World 5,000m champion Benjamin Limo said with the team’s dominance in Belgrade, the country should expect more medals in Paris.
“This team is ready to conquer the world in the upcoming Olympics. From the performance the team posted in Serbia, expect much greater performances in Paris.”
