Beatrice Chebet set sights on World title

ATHLETICS Beatrice Chebet set sights on World title

Abigael Wafula 13:48 - 22.02.2023

Beatrice Chebet is also a Diamond League meeting final winner.

Commonwealth Games 5000m champion Beatrice Chebet is not resting on her laurels as she eyes further success at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary from August 19 to 27.

During the 2022 World Championships in Oregon, Chebet settled for silver in the 5000m behind Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay and she intends to go one better this year.

“I believe everything is possible and I believe in myself. I also want to do well in Budapest,” Chebet said.

Chebet on Saturday, February 18 obliterated a strong field of athletes to clinch what she termed as a ‘surprising win’ in her debut in the senior category of the World Cross-country championships.

She edged out Ethiopia’s Tsigie Gebreselama who finished second while compatriot Agnes Ngetich sealed the podium.

The race had a dramatic ending as pre-race favourite Letesenbet Gidey of Ethiopia suffered a mishap a few meters from the finish line. That came off as a blessing in disguise for Chebet as she stormed past Gidey to cut the tape.

“I had already given up and knew I would take the silver. I don’t even know what happened…I can’t even explain it,” Chebet said upon her return to the country on Tuesday night.

The 22-year-old now brags of a senior and junior title (she won at the 2019 edition) and her win marks the eighth consecutive time Kenya has won the title.

The Africa 5000m champion attested that graduating to the senior category was not easy for her but acknowledged the efforts of her team mates and coaches to make her comfortable.

“I train hard, maintain discipline and hard work,” she added.

Chebet concluded by saying she dedicates her gold medal to her parents because of the support they accord her with.

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