After winning the 10,000m silver through Daniel Simiu, Kenyans expect more medals on Wednesday as the women’s 1500m duo and 3000m trio take the field this after at the National Athletics Centre here in Budapest.
The multi-record holder Faith Kipyegon leads Nelly Chepchirchir in the women ’s 1,500m while Simon Koech, Abraham Kibiwott and Leonard Bett will parade in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase.
Kipyegon, who holds world records in 1500m, 5000, and the mile is highly tipped to rule the three and-half laps race.
Kipyego and Chepchirchir dominated both the heats and semis and similar display is expected as the hunt for gold intensifies.
However, they are expected to face a lot of opposition from Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan, Jessica Hull, Ireland’s Ciara Mageean, and Ethiopia’s Haylom Birke. Others to watch include Ann Mcgee of the USA and Great Britain’s Laura Muir.
In an interview, Kipyegon said they are ready for the battle and she will be motivated to have Chepchirchir’s company. She said her priority is to defend her title before focusing on the 5000m race. She said she will focus on the race and not individuals.
“All I can tell you is that we are ready for the event and we pray that the results go our way,” she added.
Chepchirchir, on the other hand, said the fact that Kipyegon will be in the race gives her a lot of motivation to win a medal. She said Kipyegon had guided her well and she feels she is on the right track.
“As long as I have Faith for company, it gives me a lot of motivation,” she said.
For the steeplechasers, the focus will be on world and Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco and Ethiopia’s world record holder Lamecha Girma.
However, Kenyans have declared their determination to change the narrative and return the title back home. Bett said they will have to change tactics to ensure they rank among the top.
“We are here to prove that we are not finished,” he noted.
