Two athletes shaping Edna Chepkemoi's steeplechase career
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 04.09.24. | 22:46
Chepkemoi, who finished fourth in the 2022 Africa Championships held in Mauritius, hopes to make a comeback to the Kenyan team ahead of the Tokyo World Athletics Championships
The 2024 Mozzart Bet Re-Discover Nandi Road Race first runner-up Edna Chepkemoi is keen on following in the footsteps of former World 3000m steeplechase champion and training partner Norah Jeruto.
Chepkemoi finished second in the race held on Sunday in Kapsabet after clocking 36:12.81 behind Faith Chepchirchir, who took top honours.
The 22-year-old revealed she looks up to Jeruto, a Kenyan-born Kazakhstani national, who is best remembered for winning the world title in Eugene two years ago and holds the fifth fastest time in the water and barrier race.
Jeruto, who switched allegiance in 2017, has her best time in the race at 8:53.02 behind Ruth Jebet of Bahrain (8:52.78), Peruth Chemutai of Uganda (8:48.03), Yavi Mutile of Bahrain (8:44.39) and Beatrice Chepkoech of Kenya (8:44.32).
Both Chepkemoi and Jeruto, train at the Clouds Sports International Camp in Iten under coach Ken Rotich. Other notable athletes stationed at the camp include; Joan Kipyatich and Grace Loibach.
“I always draw inspiration from Norah. She motivates me to work hard and offers a lot of counsel. Her success on the road and track is also a source of motivation for many upcoming athletes. I also like Yavi and how she tactfully runs her races,” she admitted.
Chepkemoi, who finished fourth in the 2022 Africa Championships held in Mauritius, in the meantime hopes to make a comeback to the Kenyan team ahead of the Tokyo World Athletics Championships.
Kenya will be seeking to reclaim the title last won in 2019 courtesy of Chepkoech, having lost the previous two editions to Jeruto and Yavi.
“I understand what it means to represent the country having done so two years ago. I missed out on the podium in Mauritius but I am determined to make amends in Tokyo if I am selected.
One of the reasons for enrolling for this race is to start my build-up for the trials and other races,” she added.
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