Rising youngster Cherotich eyes podium finish at World Cross Country event in Australia
World under-20 3000 metres steeplechase gold medallist Faith Cherotich is targeting a podium finish at the World Athletics Cross Country championships slated for February 18 in Bathurst, Australia.
The Kericho-based runner Cherotich said her ultimate goal was to be in the top three at the global event.
“My target at the world cross country is to be able to finish in the top three and make my country proud. This is possible for good measure since I have been training hard,” said Cherotich.
During the national world trials in Kenya prison training ground in Kiambu county, Cherotich emerged the winner in the junior women 6 kilometres race upon which she was selected to join team Kenya camping at Kigari Teachers College in Embu.
The Form Four student at Kalyet secondary school in Kericho County said that representing her country and winning a medal is what she cherishes most.
“It will be a good story to carry Kenya’s banner and be counted among the medalists,” she remarked of the 18-year-old.
Cherotich won gold in the 3000 metres in Cali Colombia after crossing the finish line with her second fastest of 9:16.13.
Before the national assignment, she was focusing on her training at Kalyet grounds under the tutelage of Coach Barnabas Rono.
“I have been focusing on my training so well and that is why I have been performing well in my races.” Said Cherotich
In 2021 during the World athletics under 20 championships in Nairobi, Cherotich won a bronze medal.
Cherotich will lead a formidable team of Sheila chebet , Nancy cherop, Marion chepg’netich and Diana cherotich all from Elgeyo marakwet county. Joyline Chepkemoi of Lemotit, Kericho county.
On the reserve is world marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei’s younger sister Pamela from Elgeyo Marakwet and Lemotit’s Diana Chepkemoi.
Pamela and Chepkemoi were placed seventh and eighth in that order during the national trials.
Pamela was in the team for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Cali, Colombia in August where she finished fifth in the 3,000m steeplechase.
