Inspiration Comes From Within For Kenyan Runners
- By News
- Published Aug. 28, 2011
- Updated Aug. 29, 2011 at 10:41 AM UTC
Arch rival Ethiopia already lags well behind in the medal count.
Much to Ethiopia’s chagrin, Kenya has come out swinging in the first few days of the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea. The East African nation kicked things off with a top-three podium sweep in the women’s marathon on Saturday. Edna Kiplagat took gold in 2:28:43, while fellow Kenyans Priscah Jeptoo and Sharon Cherop took second and third respectively.
Later that day, Kenya did it again with Vivian Cheruiyot claiming gold in the women’s 10,000m event.
“It’s great to win gold in my first championship race over 10,000m and with a personal best,” said Cheruiyot. ”We were inspired by the marathon girls and we wanted to achieve the same.”
The men’s team is expected to do equally well with the likes of Brimin Kipruto, Ezekiel Kemboi and Richard Mateelong looking for a sweep in the men’s steeplechase event. In addition, the men’s marathon team comprised of Abel Kirui, Eliud Kiptanui, Vincent Kipruto, Kiptoo Kolum and David Tumo, should help contribute to Kenya’s medal haul at the nine-day championships.
For More: AFP
FILED UNDER: News TAGS: Daegu / East Africa / Edna Kiplagat / Ethiopia / Kenya / Marathon / medal count / men's steeplechase / podium sweep / South Korea / World Championships
