Newly crowned World 5000m silver medallist Beatrice Chebet admires a lot of things from two-time World champion Hellen Obiri. Top among them is longevity which encompasses track, indoor, cross country and now road racing.

Chebet feels Obiri is among a rare breed of athletes whom the upcoming athletes should strive to emulate.

“Hellen has won it all and somehow managed to remain humble and true to the course, I admire her so much,” Chebet said in the aftermath of the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

Chebet now wants to follow in the footsteps of Obiri, who winded up her glittering career on the track with a world 10,000m silver medal. The apprentice now targets the world title at next year’s edition in Budapest, Hungary.

Describing Obiri as a role model and friend who has constantly encouraged her to aim for the throne of the women’s 5000m, the protege doesn’t want to disappoint.

“I have admired her for a long time and interacted with her in many competitions. She is always quick to wish me good luck in every race I am participating in such as when I went for the Doha Diamond League,” Chebet said.