Blow to Team Kenya as Chepkoech withdraws from World Championships

Beatrice Chepkoech

Beatrice Chepkoech of Anti Stock Theft Police Unit (ASTU) competes in 1,500m women final during National Police Service Track and Field Athletics Championships at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on April 15, 2022.



Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • Chepkoech, the defending champion, had been handed a wild card and was to join her compatriots World Under-20 champion Jackline Chepkoech, 2018 World Under-20 champion Celliphine Chespol and Purity Kirui in the race.

World 3,000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech has pulled out of the World Athletics Championships that kicks off Friday in Oregon, USA due to an injury.

Chepkoech, the defending champion, had been handed a wild card and was to join her compatriots World Under-20 champion Jackline Chepkoech, 2018 World Under-20 champion Celliphine Chespol and Purity Kirui in the race.

That means Kenya will field only three athletes in the heats on Saturday evening at the Hayward Field, Oregon.

Chepkoech told Nation Sport in an exclusive interview that she flew out of the country last week to the Netherlands for treatment. Chepkoech said the doctors told her that she has a stress fracture and advised against competing in the World Championships.

“I have just returned from the Netherlands where I had gone for treatment and my doctor asked me not to run because it would worsen the injury especially when scaling the barriers," Chepkoech, whose 8:44.32 personal best is the world record.

“I would have loved to join the team in Oregon to defend my title but it’s not possible and I want to wish my compatriots all the best in their race tomorrow. I would like to ask them to make sure they qualify for the final then they can hatch a plan on how to go for the title which is in Kenya,” said Chepkoech.