2019 World Under 20 Cross Country gold medalist Beatrice Chebet revealed on Sunday, August 7, the vital role that double world champion Hellen Obiri played in her 5,000m triumph at the just concluded 2022 Commonwealth Games staged in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Chebet bagged Kenya’s sixth gold medal at the games after running a well-calculated race to overcome a stellar field that had the likes of the Scottish ace, Eilish McColgan.
McColgan had won the 10,000m final ahead of the Kenyan duo of Irene Cheptai and Sheila Kiprotich a few days before the 5,000m final.
Chebet, who trains in London, won the race in a personal best time of 14:38.21 ahead of McColgan and compatriot Sheila Jepleting, who clocked 14:42.14 and 14:48.24 respectively.
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In an interview with Capital Sports, Chebet credited the piece of advice she received from Obiri for the victory she registered in Birmingham.
“The last Diamond League last year we had a chat with (Hellen) Obiri and she told me that she is about to call time on track career and advised me to strive for success in my races. She told me that I had the potential to go far if I remain levelheaded and disciplined.
“There was immense pressure on social media as fans encouraged me to go for it and that the Birmingham medal will be all mine. I didn’t take their sentiments for granted,” stated Chebet.
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Obiri, who is among the finest Kenyan female athletes of all time, announced during the 2022 World Athletics Championships held in Eugene, United States that she would be ditching track for road races later this year. She is expected to make her marathon debut later this year.
Chebet thanked everyone who stood by and supported her during the international athletic bonanza that came to a close on Sunday evening.
“It's been a long season this year being in four championships in a year, thanks everyone for your support and prayers,” read his Facebook post.
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