Youngster Brenda Chebet has set her focus to break the world record at the forthcoming World under 20 Athletics Championships to be staged at the Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The Mount Elgon born athlete in Bungoma County said she only had a month of training and her results were good, hoping to run better results when she will be lining up in the 800m race during the championships that starts on August 17th to 22nd.
The Star Sports met Chebet at the Kipchoge Keino stadium on Tuesday morning where she has intensified her preparation ahead of the junior championship with her eyes set on smashing the current 1:54 world record set by Pamela Jelimo in 2008.
She said she had little time to train for the national trials last weekend but managed to finish second behind the champion Sheila Chepkosgei.
“With little time to prepare, I have managed to cut into the Kenya team with good time. But heading into the championships, I want to run a world record in the 800m, that is my target with my coach John Litei,” said Chebet.
Influenced by her father Duncan Mkori, who used to compete in the two lap race at his youthful stage, Chebet said she did not have enough time to train due to the coronavirus and school work but after school, she was introduced to Litei who has taken her career to another level.
“After my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in April, I was idle at home but James Kwalia, who is my cousin brought me to Iten and I was introduced to my current coach who has transformed my career,” said Chebet.
Competing for North Rift, the 17-year-old clocked 2:05.58 to finish second in the women’s 800m final, behind the winner Chepkosgei from Western who clocked 2:03.76 and Nelly Chepchirchir from Central Rift completing the podium finish in 2:06.28.
She added that once she acquires the 1:59 as her personal best, it will be her chance to improve on her transition to the senior cadre with positive results.
“I want to specialize in this race as part of appreciating my father who is my role model and my great supporter in my career. He is my number one fan,” added Chebet.
Her coach Litei said the junior athlete is strong enough and a medal prospect at the world under 20 championships.
“She has the potential to bring any medal for this country. For the last one month I have been with her, she has proved to be a dedicated athlete who has hopes of doing well in future. The country has got the best,” said Litei.