- Chepkoech ran a new Meet record in Monaco
- She beat World Record holder Beatrice Chepkoech
- Jackline is the reigning Commonwealth Games champion
Commonwealth Games champion Jackline Chepkoech warmed up perfectly for the World Championships in Budapest next month, as she won the 3,000m women’s steeplechase at the London Diamond League, setting a new Meet record while at it.
Jackline upset her nemesis and role model, world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech to second, as she dipped under nine minutes for the first time ever, clocking 8:57.35.
This not only counted as her new personal best, but also the Meet record in London, as well as a new world leading time heading to the Worlds Championships.
“Really didn’t expect to win today. Beating the meeting record feels incredible and such an achievement to finish it in under nine minutes,” Jackline said after the race.
The victory in London set her up nicely as she prepares for the World Championships, where she seeks another massive piece of silverware among the seniors.
She says she is ready and prepared for a good run in Budapest, where she is confident Kenya will clinch the title.
At the last Championship held in Eugene last year, Jackline, winner of the 2021 World Under-20 title on home soil, couldn’t even get to the final.
But this time, she feels it is her opportunity to grab.
“I am now a bit more experienced because I have run more races and my confidence has been boosted. Last year I had some problems too but now, my focus is very sharp,” said Jackline.
She added; “My focus is to go to Budapest and bring a medal home.”
Fastest time of the season
L-R: Hyvin Kiyeng, Beatrice Chepkoech and Purity KIrui
Meanwhile in finishing second in London, Beatrice ran her fastest time this season, but was still way off Jackline. She clocked 9:04.34, while home girl Aimee Pratt completed the podium, way off in third with a season’s best time of 9:16.10.
Both Jackline and Beatrice are headed to Budapest.
“It was a quick race. I enjoy racing in London, but I’m disappointed with my time. I’ll be at the Worlds in Budapest. I want to focus on my speed before then. I want to regain my title and I feel I am ready,” the World Record holder said.
At the Kenyan Trials, Jackline and Beatrice finished side by side, with both showing they were equipped and ready.
Meanwhile, Beatrice Chebet also warmed up perfectly for the World Championships after setting a new personal best time in the women’s 5,000m, despite finishing second behind Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay.
Chebet looking sharp and ready
Beatrice Chebet punches the air in glee after winning the Commonwealth Games title. PHOTO/Team Kenya
Chebet, who won silver in Oregon last year, clocked 14:12.92, shaving off almost 12 seconds from her initial personal best.
Tsegay won the race in 14:12.29, which also counted as her personal best and a new Meet Record in London.
So fast was the race that all the top five women finished in under 14:20, and set different records. Sifan Hassan timed 14:13.42, a new Personal best and European Record, Eisa Medina of Ethiopia clocking 14:16.54, which is a new World U20 record while Alicia Monson ran 14:19.45, a new North American record.
In the men’s 1500m, former World Champion Timothy Cheruiyot had an evening to forget as he finished a disappointing eighth, clocking 3:31.44.
Cheruiyot is looking to get back on tip top shape, but has a lot to work on as he builds towards the World Championships.
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