Missing the podium at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, USA, in January left her in immense pain.
Kenya’s Cynthia Chepkurui finished fourth behind the Ethiopians Marta Alemayo and Wosane Asefa, and Uganda's Charity Cherop, who claimed the podium spots in that order in the women's Under-20 6 km race.
Having made Team Kenya again, for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, which start today at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, USA, Chepkurui has promised a better performance.
That opportunity has presented itself today on the opening day of the championships, when Chepkurui and Joyline Chepkemoi will team up for the women’s 5,000 metres final, in which Kenya hopes to win its first medals.
Chepkurui and Chepkemoi face the challenging task of reclaiming the 5,000 metres title won by the reigning Olympic and World champion Beatrice Chebet in Tampere, Finland, in 2018.
"I have returned to the USA with renewed determination and a clear objective: to win a medal for Kenya. Missing out on a medal in the cross-country race was so painful, and only winning a medal at this championship will make me happy,” said Chepkurui. “We have not won in the last three editions, but I am confident of victory this time around.”
However, she warned that it won't be easy, as the Ethiopians and Ugandans are also in contention.
“Competition is getting tougher, so we are going to work together with Chepkemoi because I believe in teamwork,” added the 17-year-old.
Kenya enjoyed success in the women's long-distance events at the World Under-20 Championships until 2018.
Joyline Chepkemoi.
Photo credit: File
The Kenyan duo is eager to win, despite stiff competition from the Ethiopians and Ugandans, among other top countries.
The Kenyans will face Uganda’s Charity Cherop, who is aiming to better her silver medal from the 2024 World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru. She previously claimed bronze at the World Cross Country Championships.
The men’s 5,000 metres will also take place today, with team captain Nehemiah Kipngeno and Franklin Kibet hoping to help the country retain the gold medal won by Andrew Alamisi in Lima.
Kibet returns to the US in search of another title to add to his world cross-country crown from Tallahassee.
In the men’s 800 metres race, Collins Tentera and Nashon Pkiach will be competing, while Marion Jepchumba and Nancy Jepngetich will be representing Kenya in the women's contest. They are both seeking to qualify for the semi-finals, which are scheduled for Friday.
The first round of the men’s 100 metres race will feature Louis Khawel, who is on his own and aiming to progress to the next round.
Mercy Koskei and Anatasha Langat will be carrying the Kenyan flag high in the 3,000 metre steeplechase, where they will be seeking to reclaim the title from the Ethiopians. Kenya's last gold medal was won in 2022 at the Cali Games by Faith Cherotich.
