Chebet confident of shining at senior level after Aarhus exploits

After being crowned the World Cross Country champion in the six-kilometre junior women race, Beatrice Chebet is now gearing to shift to the senior category.

Chebet who clinched gold in Aarhus, Denmark on Saturday received a heroic welcome at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Monday afternoon as team Kenya for the World Cross jetted in the country.

Among those present to receive the champion included Kericho County Governor Paul Chepkwony and Kipkelion East Member of Parliament Joseph Limo as well as a multitude of residents from Londiani where Chebet hails from.

Upon her arrival, she was welcomed with the traditional Kalenjin milk Mursik amidst song and dance from the crowd which was eager to welcome their daughter who had conquered the World.

While addressing journalists, the World Under-20 5,000m champion admitted the Denmark course was tricky but nonetheless was happy to clinch gold revealing that she was dejected after she was earlier adjudged to have finished third.

“The course was challenging because it had so many obstacles but I thank God that I eventually prevailed to win the race. I was very disappointed when I was ranked third because I was sure I had won the race,” asserted Chebet.

Chebet’s celebrations will however be short-lived as she is also set to represent Kenya in the African Youth games set for Abidjan, Ivory Coast in two weeks time.

“I’m now shifting my focus to the Africa championships where my colleagues are already in training at Kasarani,” said Chebet.

As she transits to the senior level, Chebet is aiming a shot at the All Africa Games set for August in Morocco and thereafter the World Championships set for Doha, Qatar in October where she is set to participate in her preferred race of 5,000m.

“Already now I am graduating to senior and I am also preparing for the All Africa Games and the World Championships,” added Chebet.

Paul Kemei the man who trains Chebet at Lemotit Athletics Camp said he is elated with Chebet’s victory as he attributed her success to hard work and determination.

“For sure and I don’t even have words to describe my happiness. I knew Beatrice was going to do well because of her discipline,” said Kemei.

Kericho County governor Paul Chepkwony said his government has already set aside resources to support the training camp.

“I have come here leading a delegation from Kericho County to come and congratulate Chebet who has brought victory to all Kenyans. We will continue supporting athletics in our County and already we have set aside Ksh. 5 million to support Lemotit camp,” revealed Chepkwony who is also the Chair of Sports Committee in the Council of Governors revealed.

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Denmark Aarhus Beatrice Chebet PAUL CHEPKWONY World Cross World Cross Country

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