Newly crowned world 10,000m record holder Beatrice Chebet believes that, alongside Lilian Kasait, they can end Kenya’s long-standing drought in the women’s 10,000m Olympic title.
“If both of us are in good shape, I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t win this title, which has eluded Kenya for so long. That being said, it’s too early to make any predictions. Anyone can win the title,” she said.
No Kenyan woman has won an Olympics gold in the women’s 10,000m but Chebet is hopeful they can deliver a maiden crown at the Paris Olympics Games.
The World Cross Country champion made history at the Prefontaine Classic on Saturday when she set a new record of 28:54.14.
Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay clocked 29:05.92 for second with Kasait third in 29:26.89.
“I did not expect to smash the world record. However, I felt my body respond well during the race and decided to go for it,” she said.
“Achieving such a great thing is an inspiration and a reminder to myself that anything is possible if I put my mind to it. I believe Paris will be the perfect opportunity for me to do something great. It is the dream of every athlete to compete there.”
The Commonwealth Games 5000m champion will be running at the Olympics for the first time while Kasait will hope to storm the podium after a 12th-place finish in the 5000m at the Tokyo Olympics. However, the experience was priceless.
“The experience in Tokyo was really good. I learnt a lot. The team we have with Chebet is formidable and I know whoever joins us will make it better,” the 2017 World Cross Country bronze medallist said.
The two were speaking at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Tuesday morning upon on arrival from the United States.
Also present was Daniel Mateiko, who clocked 26:50.81 to win the men’s race.
The 25-year-old is looking forward to great returns on his first-ever Olympics.
“It felt great to win the race…it’s something I had trained and prepared for for quite some time. Now, I want to work hard to ensure a great result at the Paris Olympics,” the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon champion said.
He will be flying the national flag alongside Nicholas Kimeli who finished second in 26:50.94 —as well as a third representative who will be selected via national trials next month.
They were accompanied by world 800m champion Mary Moraa, world 3000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech, world 10,000m silver medalist Daniel Simiu and Commonwealth Games 3000m steeplechase champion Jackline Chepkoech
