National cross country champion Samuel Chebolei says he wants to cement their family name in world athletics, alongside his elder brother, 2014 Commonwealth Games 1,500m silver medalist Ronald Kwemoi.
Chebolei, who also won the senior men's race at the Agnes Tirop Memorial Cross Country Tour in Eldoret on February 12, said his recent victories have stirred his hunger for more glory.
“This was my happiest moment... winning both the national cross country title and the Agnes Tirop Memorial. The win has motivated me to work extra hard for better results in the future and to maintain that top position,” Chebolei said.
Less than a month after the Agnes Tirop race, Chebolei faced off with Kwemoi at the Castellon 10km Road Race in Spain.
The world under-20 1,500m record holder won the race in 27:17 — a course record — as Chebolei came second in 27:18. Ethiopian Tadese Takele completed the podium at 27:20.
Despite the sibling rivalry, Chebolei said he enjoyed running against his brother and learnt a lot from him.
“It was so motivating running with my brother. That was our first race together and I hope we shall run more in the coming days. I compete in 5,000m while he runs in 1,500m but the amazing factor is that we ran together in a road race,” he said.
Chebolei admits his transition to the senior ranks has not been as smooth-sailing as many would imagine.
“Being a junior runner, you need to prepare your mind, body and soul so as to graduate to a senior. As an athlete, you need to discover and make your name while running as a junior. For me, the first race after transiting to the senior ranks was the national cross country. It was a miracle for me,” he said.
Chebolei added: “My first road race was difficult. I had to research on my competitors and acquaint myself with the skills and style of running. I tried my level best and used the experience I have gained to finish number two.”
The 21-year-old will be competing at the Kumamoto 5,000m race in Japan as well as the Huyogo 10,000m race in April as part of his preparations for the World Championships in Oregon.