World record holder Beatrice Chepkoech expects a tough 3000m steeplechase final at the Paris Olympic Games.
Chepkoech won Semifinal Two to sail to Tuesday's final alongside Kenyan-born Bahraini world champion Winfred Yavi, Uganda's Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai and world U20 holder Faith Cherotich.
"It's going to be tough. Nobody is going to give up," said Chepkoech while revealing her struggles heading to yesterday's race.
" I was not feeling good for the last three weeks. I have gone through a lot because I had pneumonia."
"I was not expecting to reach the final after hurting my shin in my last speed work on Monday, while still in Kenya. I just came to try (my luck) and, finally, I have made the final," she added.
Despite her struggles, the lanky runner ran gun-to-tape to win her race in 9:13.56 ahead of home girl Finot Alice ( 9:14.78 ) and Germany’s Lea Meyer ( 9:14.85).
Cherotich stormed the final on Olympic debut and is excited to race against the world's best.
" It's a dream come true to qualify for the final on my Olympics debut. I just pray God to guide me in the final," she said.
"I raced well at the World Championships and I'm getting used to competing with senior athletes. I don't fear them anymore."
She was inspired after watching her role model, two-time Olympic 1500m champion and namesake - Faith Kipyegon - cruise to the final of the 5000m on Saturday.
" Faith motivated me in the way she raced in her semis. She did well and I had to take a leaf from her," she added.
