Newly crowned 10,000m champion Judy Jepng'etich eyeing Olympics slot

ATHLETICS Newly crowned 10,000m champion Judy Jepng'etich eyeing Olympics slot

Abigael Wafula 08:07 - 11.03.2023

Josephine Wanjiku is also eyeing a slot at the World Championships in Budapest after placing second behind Jepng'etich in 34:22.50.

Newly crowned 10,000m champion Judy Jepng'etich is already plotting big after her exploits at the Thika Stadium during the third Athletics Kenya meet as she eyes a slot at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Jepng'etich was in a class of her own as she destroyed a fine field to win the 10,000m race in 33:29.30. She revealed that she was debuting over the distance.

https://twitter.com/Abie_wafula/status/1634112984342581249?s=20

The Baringo-based athlete noted that she did not expect to win the race but her great preparations paid off well. In the highly contested race, she proved to be unbeatable after leading from gun to tape.

"My main priority now is qualifying for the Olympics next year. I would want to compete at the World Championships but that's not a must.

I did not expect to win but I had done enough training and speedwork. I was trying 10,000m to work on my endurance," she said.

Meanwhile, Josephine Wanjiku is also eyeing a slot at the World Championships in Budapest after placing second behind Jepng'etich in 34:22.50. Melody Jebiwott Langat settled for third place in 34:41.70.

Wanjiku revealed that she was also debuting over the 10,000m distance and was happy with the achievement.

"I am happy with the results I have posted. My target right now is to make Team Kenya for the World Championships," Wanjiku said.

She noted that Jepng'etich motivated her to keep going in the race despite having less endurance and speed. "I was watching her steps and I didn't want her to open a wide gap. My speed and endurance, however, was very poor," she said.

Related content