World cross-country champion Beatrice Chebet has vowed to defend her title in Belgrade, Serbia, despite a fourth-place finish at the national cross-country meeting a week ago.
She said for her, positions didn’t matter as long as she made Team Kenya to Serbia. “I am focused on retaining the title and for me, that is what matters at the moment.”
She noted: “I am going to Belgrade to defend my title. Despite finishing fourth at the nationals, the world cross country meeting will be a different ball game and I believe I will rise to the occasion,” she said.
Agnes Ng’etich won the women’s 10km race during the national trials in 31:50.9 with Immaculate Anyango placing second in 31:53.1. The 2019 African Games 5000m champion, Lilian Kasait settled for third in 31:56.3 with Chebet finishing fourth in 31:59.7, to make the team to the World Cross Country Championships.
Chebet said she was not at her best when she won the title in February last year in Bathurst, Australia, and with good preparations before March 30, she would no doubt defend it easily.
“If everything goes according to plan and I train hard, I am sure I will defend my title. Last year, I wasn’t in good shape but I pulled off a win. I believe I am up to the task and I will rise to the occasion,” she added.
She described Anyango, Ng’etich and Kasait as strong opponents but was quick to note that good preparations would see her through.
AK senior vice president, Paul Mutwii, acknowledged the strong team that had been assembled including world champion Chebet to represent the country in Serbia.
Team Kenya to World Cross
Women's 2km: Virginia Nyambura, Mercy Wanjiru and Purity Chepkirui; Men's 2km: Raynold Cheruiyot, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, and Kyumbe Munguti: Women's junior 6km: Sheila Chebet, Deborah Chemutai, Nancy Cherop, Mercy Chepkemoi, Diana Cherotich and Diana Chepkemoi; 8km junior men: Samuel Kibathi, Charles Rotich, Mathew Kipkoech, Joana Erop, Shadrack Rono and Gideon Kipngetich; 10Km senior women: Agnes Ngetich, Immaculate Anyango, Lilian Kasait, Beatrice Chebet, Margret Chelimo and Cynthia Chepngetich; 10Km senior men: Sebastian Sawe, Samuel Chebolei, Gideon Rono, Geoffrey Kamworor, Benson Kiplangat and Ishmael Rokito; Officials: Mathew Lenamunai (team manager), Aisworth Maragara (assistant TM) and Gideon Chirchir (coach).
