Inspired by triple Olympic Games 1,500m champion Faith Kipyegon, youngster Mercy Chepkemoi will be the only Kenyan to double at the Under 20 Athletics Championships set for Lima, Peru set for August 27th to August 31st at the National stadium.
The form three student at the Tiloa Secondary School in Nakuru County will be competing in both the 5,000m and 3,000m, hoping to win medals just like Kipyegon did at the Paris Olympic games winning gold in the 1,500m and silver in the 5,000m.
As the East Africa under 20 1,500m gold medalist Chepkemoi is a budding athlete ready to win gold for the nation at the championships, went ahead to win bronze in the 5,000m at the same event last year.
“I have hopes that we shall win and we are training as a team ready to bring gold. Since I am motivated by world Faith Kipyegon, I want to bring medals,” said Chepkemoi.
Today, she completed her 14km training at the Karura Forest as part of her long run and endurance.
“I had a 14km long run, which is part of my training at the Karura Forest and I have hope of bringing gold in all events. Remember running two races is not easy. I have to do good long runs and speed work, which I have mastered very well,” she said.
She added “Once in Lima, I want to promise the country that I will do well and brings medals since I love this country so much. I left school to compete for the country that means I love this country.”