Faith hopes to launch season at Monaco DL
The 2016 Rio Olympics 1,500m women’s gold medalist Faith Chepng’etich Kipyegon (in a black cap) with Sharon Chertich and other runners before the start of the 6km junior women Mau – Egerton cross country race on February 9, 2019 at Egerton University, Njoro. PHOTO | FRANCIS MUREITHI |
What you need to know:
- Chepeng’etich has set her sights on few more events including the World Athletics Continental Tour’s Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi on September 26.
- “It’s tough training in isolation, but everyone is facing similar conditions but it’s my prayer that everything will open up.”
Olympic 1,500 metres champion Faith Chepng’etich is not only looking forward to making her debut over 1,000 metres, but also starting her season at next month’s Monaco leg of the Diamond League.
Chepngétich, who won the world 1,500m in London in 2017 before settling for silver in 2019 in Doha, said she will definitely be in Monaco on August 14, but it all depends on her getting clearance from the government and the European Union (EU).
The EU has listed Kenya as among the countries whose nationals haven’t been cleared to fly into Schengen nations owing to non-compliance of Covid-19 requirements.
“I really want to start my season in Monaco, but it will be interesting his being my first time in Monaco and more so to compete over 1,000m,”Chepng’etich, who is currently training in isolation in Kaptagat, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
“I have been doing some road work combining it with speed work on the road since all the arenas are closed owing to Covid-19,”said Chepng’etich, the mother of one who is determined to retain her Olympic title despite the event’s postponement to next year.
Chepeng’etich said she will be able to determine how her season will unravel after Monaco.
“There will be so much ahead before the end of the year but I welcome the challenges,” explained Chepng’etich, who set the national 1,500m record of three minutes, 54.22 seconds when settling for silver in 2018 Doha.
Chepeng’etich has set her sights on few more events including the World Athletics Continental Tour’s Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi on September 26.
“It’s tough training in isolation, but everyone is facing similar conditions but it’s my prayer that everything will open up.”
