World 3000m steeplechase record-holder Beatrice Chepkoech has vowed to set the stage alight at the Wanda Diamond League Final in Eugene next weekend.
The water and barrier race sensation spoke after storming the world 2000m steeplechase record in the penultimate leg of the Diamond League at the Boris Hanzekovic Memorial in Zagreb.
“I’m expecting a good run next weekend. My performance in Zagreb has made me stronger, more focused, more determined,” she added.
Chepkoech said she cannot rule out the possibility of shattering her record in the 3000m.
“I’ve broken the world record before, so it’s something that I can still accomplish again with determination,” Chepkoech said in an exclusive interview on Monday.
She clocked an incredible time of 5:47.42, lowering the previous mark of 5:52.80 set by Gesa Felicitas Krause in 2019.
Compatriot Winnie Jemutai came in second with a time of 5:52.92 while Slovenia’s Marusa Mismas-Zrimsek wrapped up the top three in a national record time of 5:53.38.
Recounting her feat, Chepkoech said she is grateful to have risen to such heights after shaking off the injury she sustained in 2022.
“I’m fortunate to get a second world record. My positive attitude in the wake of the injury I picked up earlier has finally paid off. I thank God for a brilliant season.”
Chepkoech went to the Croatian capital on the back of a silver medal she bagged in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase at the Budapest 2023 World Athletics Championships in Hungary a fortnight ago.
There, she clocked 8:58.98 to blaze to victory areas of Kenyan-turned-Bahraini, Winfred Yavi who posted a world lead of 8:54.29.
Chepkoech said she will hone her skills further at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga on October 1.
She will flex muscles in the race with compatriots Faith Kipyegon — the current world record holder — and Nelly Chepchirchir
