Chepkwemoi showed why she is highly touted as the next big thing in Ugandan athletics and her victory marks the beginning of a glorious journey.
Ugandan teenager Loice Chekwemoi is still in shock that she won the Great Chepsaita Cross Country, meeting held on the outskirts of Eldoret on Saturday December 7.
Although she was the pre-race favourite, Chepkwemoi, 17, said beating a quality field at the ‘Home of Champions’ never crossed her mind.
“I couldn’t believe that I could win in the home of champions but I told myself I am also a champion and I have to fight for it,” said Chekwemoi.
Multiple world and Olympics champion Faith Kipyegon wants young athletes to take pride in running barefoot as such humble beginnings can turn them into world beaters.
“To be a champion is not easy but I see progression and I am working hard to make sure I qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo next year,” she added.
She won the women’s race by more than 80 seconds and cut the tape in 34:32, while Ethiopian teenager Shimeles Mekides Molla was almost a minute-and-a-half behind, clocking 35:57 for the runner-up spot. Celestine Biwot completed the podium in 36:43.
Eldoret, located in Uasin Gishu County, in the populous Rift Valley, is popularly known as the ‘Home of Champions’ considering many world beaters hail from the area.
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Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has blamed Kenyan’ steeplechase woes on a lack of morals among athletes who he claims have questionable characters that are affecting their performance.
Cynthia Chepkurui, who was ninth at the African Cross Country Championships earlier this year, this time emerged as the winner in the U20 women’s 6km race in 21:17.
Several of Kenya’s leading athletes, past and present, attended the Great Chepsaita Cross Country, including Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon, Benson Kipruto, David Rudisha, Julius Yego and Janeth Jepkosgei.
