World Cross Country gold medallist Beatrice Chebet has said her compatriot Faith Kipyegon inspired her to win the 3,000m title at the Oslo Diamond League.
Chebet produced a masterclass act on Thursday night to smash the tape in eight minutes 25.90 seconds—posting a new personal best and world lead time in the process.
“I watched keenly as Faith Kipyegon broke the 5,000m record in Paris a week ago. Her performance motivated me and I felt a desire to do the same in my next race,” Chebet said.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Friday, Chebet vowed to pull off another sublime act at the London Diamond League on June 23.
“My next race will be a week from now in London and I’m ready to shine again for the country.”
She said the vintage performance at Oslo has handed her the impetus she needs ahead of the World Championships.
“I’m glad I managed to accomplish such a top-notch performance. I am already preparing for the World Championships and I want to do all I can to return home with a medal. I will compete in the 5000m race in Budapest, where I hope to win a medal.”
Chebet was appearing for the second time on the track this year after she blew away a talent-laden field to bag the women’s 5,000m at the Kip Keino Classic Tour in Nairobi on May 13.
“I’m looking forward to the World Championships and I promise to make the country proud again. I’ll be going for nothing short of a win,” Chebet said.
Chebet, 23, said she will continue to hone her skills in the lush landscape of Kericho County under seasoned athletics coachGabriel Kiptanui.
She hopes to replicate the sublime form that catapulted her to the 5000m title during the Weltklasse Zurich 2022 Diamond League at Stadion Letzigrund in September last year.
There, she wrapped up in 14:31.03 to dazzle a star-studded field that included double Olympic champion Sifan Hassan of Netherlands and Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, pocketing Sh3.6 million in prize purse and silverware in the process.
After lighting up the Hayward Field Track in Eugene, Oregon, to storm to silver during last year’s World Championships, Chebet has vowed to run away with the title in Budapest come August.
“My main target is the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary in August. I’m glad I earned a wildcard to the championships after winning the Diamond League last season. “I’m targeting to improve my personal best time. I’ve previously done a 14:31 but I’d like to lower that to 14:30.”
Chebet heads into the World Championships high on confidence after setting her season in motion with a masterstroke performance in Bathurst, Australia to tuck away the World Cross Country gold medal in a blistering 10km duel.She blazed to the title in 33:48 after overpowering pre-race favourite Letesenbet Gidey of Ethiopia.
“The win gave me strength and courage and potential. I have won many races as a junior and as a senior. It is a matter of endurance and believing in myself.”