With less than five weeks to the 2023 World Cross Country Championships, athletes from different parts of the world are finalizing their preparations for the highly anticipated showdown.
Kenya has registered impressive performances in the past editions and would be seeking to raise the bar.
However, with the absence of star athletes like Hellen Obiri and the late Agnes Tirop, Kenya will depend on inexperienced runners to bring the gold medals home.
Also Read: 5 Kenyan Athletes Who Currently Hold World Records
Below are five underdogs, who are likely to light up the event which is slated for Saturday, February 18, in Bathurst, Australia.
Grace Loibach
Loibach stunned star athletes at the Kenyan national trials held in December last year and would be heading to Bathurst with high hopes of reclaiming the global title.
The 19-year-old clocked 32:32 to clinch the senior women’s title during the national trials held at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru.
Berihu Aregawi
The former African youth 3,000m steeplechase champion Berihu Aregawi is another contender who is likely to surprise many at the Mount Panorama Circuit.
The 21-year-old overcame a star-studded field to win the Ethiopian national trials, clocking 30.45.
He beat the likes of world athletics cross-country championships silver medalist Tadese Worku, and Gatenah Molla, who crossed the finishing line in 30:54 and 30.55 respectively.
Speaking ahead of the race, Aregawi acknowledged that he would face stiff competition in Australia.
“Competition is becoming tight, but I have to do my best and be in great shape for the challenge ahead,” he was quoted by Nation.
Emmanuel Kiprop
Emmanuel Kiprop might also shock the world in Bathurst.
At the age of 23, Kiprop clocked 38:31 to finish fourth at the Kenyan national trials.
He finished behind the experienced trio of Sebastian Kimaru, Kibiwott Kandie, and Daniel Simiu.
Mekides Abebe
Mekides Abebe, a world championship 3,000m steeplechase bronze medalist is another runner, who is going to Australia as an underdog.
She clocked 35:47 to register a third-place finish during the Ethiopian trials.
Abebe was defeated by Letensebet Gidey, the current record holder of the 10,000m, 5,000m, and Half Marathon as well as Gede Alemayehu.