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World 3,000m steeplechase champion Beatrice Chepkoech will approach the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan a relieved woman after finally ending her  medal drought at major events.

Chepkoech got the ‘monkey off her back’ at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Monday when she won gold after being labelled a Diamond League athlete who had nothing to show at major events by her critics.

The 28-year-old Kericho native is now more motivated than ever to go for an Olympics gold after destroying a strong field in a new championship best time of 8:57.84.

“I decided to run from gun to tape to pass a message that it’s my time now. I wanted to show everyone that I can win more than the Diamond League,” Chepkoech told People Sport yesterday.

“Having failed to deliver in London two years ago, I couldn’t allow that bad memory to haunt me again. I needed to win and do so convincingly,” added Chepkoech, who settled for silver in the 1,500m at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

“I know we have good athletes in the event not just from Kenya but all over. I want to pass the message that I am in good shape and will continue to work hard for Tokyo with the sole target of winning an Olympics title,” said Chepkoech.