World 3,000m steeplechase champion Beatrice Chepkoech will approach the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan a relieved woman after finally ending her drought at major events.
Chepkoech got the monkey off her back at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Monday when she won gold after being labeled a Diamond League athlete who had nothing to show at major events by her critics.
The 28-year-old Kericho native is now more motivated than ever to go for an Olympic gold after destroying a strong field in a new championship best time of 8:57.84.
“I decided to run from gun to tape to pass a message that it’s my time now. I wanted to show everyone that I can win more than the Diamond League,” said Chepkoech.
“Having failed to deliver in London two years ago, I couldn’t allow that bad memory to haunt me again. I needed to win and do so convincingly,” said Chepkoech, who settled for silver in the 1,500m at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.
“I know we have good athletes in the event not just from Kenya but all over. I want to pass the message that I am in good shape and will continue to work hard for Tokyo with the sole target of winning an Olympic title,” said Chepkoech.
The 2019 Diamond League winner was, however, sympathetic that the two other Kenyans in the final Celliphine Chespol and Hyvin Kiyeng failed to make to the podium despite being in great form.
“Finals can be tricky and unpredictable. I heard Chespol picked an injury and that is why she did not finish,” said Chepkoech
