Injured World champion Milcah Chemos eyes swift return

Kenya's Milcah Chemos Cheywa celebrates after winning the women's 3000 metres steeplechase final at the 2013 IAAF World Championships at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow on August 13, 2013. PHOTO | FRANCK FIFE |

What you need to know:

  • Chemos, 28, had to undergo back surgery in India in October moments after winning a silver medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games held July 23 to August 3 in Scotland.
  • Chemos said she is recovering well but would go for review on December 24 before she knows when to resume training.

Milcah Chemos hopes to be back in shape in time to defend her World 3,000m steeplechase title during the World Championships due August 22 to 30 next year in Beijing, China.

Chemos, 28, had to undergo back surgery in India in October moments after winning silver medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games held July 23 to August 3 in Scotland.

“I suffered Spondylolisthesis, that is the forward displacement by vertebra, and doctors said it was exerting pressure on my spinal cord hence affecting my nerves,” said Chemos, the current Africa and National record holder.

Kenya’s Joan Kipkemoi, Milcah Chemos Cheywa and Purity Cherotich Kirui go through the water jump in the final of the women’s 3,000m steeplechase at Hampden Park on Wednesday. They completed a Kenya sweep of the race. PHOTO | FILE | AFP

Chemos said she is recovering well but would go for review on December 24 before she know when to resume training.

“I just want to tell Kenyans and my fans across the world that I am determined to make a comeback better,” said Chemos, the winner of four consecutive Diamond League Series from 2010-2013.

“I am looking forward to hit the terrains, but that will depend on my doctor’s advice,” said Chemos, who is seeking to better her personal record and also take a shot at the world record next season.

The 2013 season could have been her most successful period when she finally won her major silverware in claiming victory at the Moscow World Championships after bronze medals in 2009 Berlin and 2011 Daegu. Chemos also had a stellar 2012 season.

She began the 2012 IAAF Diamond League season in dominant fashion, winning the steeplechase in Shanghai, Eugene and Oslo. Chemos broke the African 3000m steeplechase record of Eunice Jepkorir, winning in a new personal best and Bislett Games record time of 9:07.14 in Oslo.