2022 was an incredible year for many Kenyan athletes, both long-distance and middle-distance ones.
However, despite the likes of Eliud Kipchoge, Kelvin Kiptum, and Sharon Lokedi catching the eyes of the global audience, some of their compatriots struggled this year.
Below are three Kenyan runners who failed to impress in 2022.
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Beatrice Chepkoech
Beatrice Sotinik Chepkoech, the current 3,000m Steeplechase World Record holder performed dismally in 2022.
The 31-year-old struggled in the few races that she took part in and even failed to defend her title at the 2022 World Athletics staged in Oregon, United States.
Many people had put their money on the Kericho-based athlete to win the 3,000m steeplechase race in Oregon, but she failed to show up when it mattered most.
Her absence made Kenya lose the title to Kazakhstan’s Norah Jeruto. At the Diamond League races, Chepkoech was also nowhere to be seen.
It was only until late into the year that she reappeared, winning the Netherlands-based Seven Hills Run title in November.
Brigid Kosgei
Having smashed Paula Radcliffe’s world record in 2019, many people expected Brigid Kosgei to return with a bang after the pandemic.
However, Kosgei failed to live up to the expectations of many marathon fans, winning only one high-profile race the entire season.
Her only win this year came on Sunday, March 6, 2022, when she reached the tape in a time of 2:16.02 to lift the Tokyo Marathon title.
Kosgei withdrew from some of the big races this season, including the London Marathon due to injury-related reasons.
Timothy Cheruiyot
Timothy Cheruiyot is another Kenyan runner who will be seeking to turn a new leaf in 2022.
The 1,500m athlete failed to impress in all the races that he took part in this season, including the World Athletics Championships.
Cheruiyot, who trains in Ngong, registered a sixth-place finish in Oregon, one of the lowest moments in his remarkable career.
At the 2022 Diamond League season, Timothy was beaten to the final trophy by Norway's Jacob Ingebrigtsen.
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