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Amos Abuga @Amokc1oo1

Two-time national cross country champion Sheila Chelang’at has recounted her testing week leading to the Kenyan Olympics trials and ultimately making the cut.

The Commonwealth Youth Games 3,000m champion is one of the three athletes who will represent Kenya in 10,000m during the Tokyo Games planned for July 23 to August 8.

She will team up with two-time World 5,000m winner Hellen Obiri and Irene Cheptai over the 25 laps competition.

“God truly answers prayers,” states Chelang’at. “I was unwell leading up to the trials and I never imagined I was going to make the team. All the big names were in it.” 

A serious flu and cold saw the Administration Police Officer fail to make the team in her speciality event 5,000m with African Games 5,000m winner Lilian Kasait, Obiri and 2015 world cross country champion Agnes Tirop sweeping the podium.

“I am not going to lie, I was left distraught because that was my event. After the race I was like there goes my dream of qualifying for the Olympics,” she recalls.

Two days later, the 23-year-old recollected herself to finish third in the long distance event, a race she was not even supposed to compete in.

“Realistically I was not supposed to line up in 10k during the  trials had things gone my way. It was an impromptu reaction after failure. That was God speaking to me.

If one door closes, don’t dwell on it, rise up and keep working hard,” noted Chelangat who has been under the weather since competing at the Doha Diamond League in May.

The world youth 3,000m bronze medalist is currently at the Kasarani Stadium training for her debut Olympics, where she will be hoping to leave a mark.

“I am here for a reason. My focus will be to grab my first international medal in the senior ranks.

It will be difficult to determine how the Olympics will be but my preparations  so far in camp have been good. I am dreaming big.”