World stunner, Nancy Lagat aims to prove her mettle

On two occasions she came close to winning gold at the biggest stage but did not even make the finals. Yet when all expected a repeat of her disappointments, Nancy Jebet Lagat thrived on her underdog status to stun the world when she won the 1,500m gold in Beijing.

It was a reward never anticipated for Lagat, 28, who failed to move past the preliminary stages in both the 2005 World Championship in Helsinki and Athens 2004 Olympics. In Beijing, however, she showed her unique talent as she sprinted to the gold.

But she has failed to stamp her authority as a force in the four-lap race. On all the three occasions she contested at the international stage this season – Qatar, Hengelo and Prefontainne Classic – Lagat performed dismally.

“I’m not in my best form. My season is just peaking and I needed to gauge my ability,” Lagat said on Wednesday. But time is running out, and the race for the World Championship in Berlin in August is moving up gears as the nation focuses on the national athletics championships starting at Nyayo National Stadium on Thursday.

Lagat, a member of the Armed Forces team who has a personal best time of 4:00.23 that she set in Beijing, will face a new force in World 5,000m silver medallist Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya Police, who will team up with Margaret Wangare and Sylvia Kibet.

“I am entering the four-lap race because of speed. I need to improve on my time but Lagat has an advantage and is likely to win,” said Cheruiyot. “But I fear no one; I’m certain of my form and strong challenge always inspires me.”

Others in the race are Iness Chengone (Armed Forces), Rebecca Mwenda and Eunice Muchiri (Eastern), Beth Njeri, Teresia Wangui and Esther Wangui (Central) and Jane Mwikali and Tabitha Wamboi of Kenya Prisons.

In the men’s race, Africa champion Haron Keitany is not expected to start despite having been included in the start list, pending his appeal to Athletics Kenya. Commonwealth 5,000m champion Augustine Choge is however expected to run his first local 1,500m this season.

After a strong show in Qatar, Hengelo and Eugene, the Kenya Police runner faces stiff challenge from Armed Forces’ Gideon Gathimba, Bernard Kaptingei and Fredrick Korir.

Olympic silver medallist Asbel Kiprop will lead the Kenya Police surge in 800m, against World champion Alfred Kirwa as he prepares for 1,500m at the Rome Grand Prix. But he has a point to prove in Berlin against former Kenyan Bernard Lagat.

World champion Janeth Jepkosgei will be launching her 800m season today after recovering from injury. Her first race this year was the 1,500m she ran in Qatar.

Others in the race are Eunice Surum, Florence Jepkemboi, Nancy Chepkemoi, Noel Jepkemoi, but Olympic 800m champion Pamela Jelimo will race in 400m.