Faith Jepng'etich plots to spoil Ethiopia's world record plans
Kenyan's Faith Chepng’etich (left) and Irene Jelagat training at Paris Eiffel Tower Park ahead of the Paris Diamond League meeting set for July 4, 2015. They will compete in the 5000m race. PHOTO | AYUMBA YODI |
What you need to know:
- Viola Kibiwott will be competing in her fourth Diamond League race this year.
- Kenya's Betsy Saina however, is of the opinion that the world record is likely to go.
IN PARIS
Commonwealth 1,500m champion Faith Chepng’etich has warned Ethiopian rivals that Kenyan athletes could break into their 5,000m world record plans and party at Paris Diamond League meet on Saturday.
Chepng’etich is among the Kenyans who will compete in women’s 5,000m where Ethiopians Almaz Ayana and Genzebe Dibaba are scheming to break their compatriot Tirunesh Dibaba’s world record time of 14:11.15 set in Oslo 2008.
Ayana, the 2013 World 5,000m bronze medallist, gave a shot at the record in Shanghai on May 17 but only managed to return the third fastest time ever of 14:14.32.
Dibaba, the world indoor 3,000m and 1,500m record holder, won in Eugune on May 30 in 14:19.76 that is fourth all-time best. The Ethiopian’s effort to break the world record in Oslo on June 11 only yielded 14:21.29.
Chepng’etich, who posted her personal best of 14:31.95, finishing second behind Dibaba in Eugene, said the Ethiopians won’t find it easy.
“We know that they are in their top shape but we shall pound the same track and even spoil their party. Who said we shall be asleep? We also want that record,” charged the 2011 and 2013 world cross junior champion.
Chepng’etich, the 2011 World Youth and 2012 World junior 1,500m champion, is using the 5,000m for endurance ahead of the World trials.
“As you know I have just recovered from an injury hence I can’t just go into the 1,500m straight,” explained Chepng’etich, who won the National Cross Country Championships but failed to go to the World Cross Country Championships after she incurred a metatarsal injury. “I was heartbroken but God had better plans for me,” she added.
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
Viola Kibiwott will be competing in her fourth Diamond League race this year.
Kenya's Betsy Saina however, is of the opinion that the world record is likely to go.
“After I saw Ayana in Shanghai and Rabat, then anything is possible,” said Saina, who is looking for speed from the 5,000m as she targets a place in Kenya’s 10,000m team for the Worlds.
