Steeplechasers Diana Chepkemoi and Mercy Chemweno hope to shock their opponents at the International Schools Sports Federation (ISF) World Cross Country at Nairobi’s Ngong Racecourse this weekend.
Chepkemoi, a former world junior cross country bronze medallist, will hope to atone for her failure to travel for the World Cross Country Championships due to a visa hitch.
“I should have improved on my World Cross Country bronze but failed to compete (in Serbia) due to visa problems,” said Chepkemoi.
Chepkemoi, who trains at Londiani Training Camp under coach Paul Kemei, was the 2023 Africa under 20 2,000m steeplechase bronze medallist from Ndola, Zambia.
“My speciality is the 3,000m steeplechase but I want to do well in cross country. I thank God for giving me a chance to represent Kenya at the ISF Cross Country,” she said.
The Form Three student at the Saramek Secondary School will use the ISF event as part of her preparations for the World Under 20 championships in Lima, Peru, in August.
“I want to represent the country in Lima. But to do well there, I need to start by performing exemplary at home. I want to make the team to Peru to prove my worth after missing the Serbia trip,” she said.
“I have experience after representing Team Kenya twice on the global stage. I have experience in the under-18 category and I pray that God gives me energy and discipline to win the title on Sunday,” she said.
Chemweno joined the team after winning the Rift Valley Secondary Schools Sports Association (RVSSSA) 3,000m steeplechase title at Kapsabet Boys. She gained recognition from Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, who visited her home in Kipkelion, Kericho County.
“I won the 3,000m steeplechase and impressed Sports cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, who visited our home. I want to thank him for identifying me and bringing me to this camp for the ISF championships. It is an opportunity I did not expect,” said Chemweno, who is also enlisted in the under-18 category.
“I am well prepared for the race. I expect to win, just like I did during the school championships,” she said.
She also eyes a slot in the Under 20 team to Peru. The Team Kenya to the ISF Championships is training in Ngong under Athletics Kenya youth coach Robert Ngisirei.