Women’s 1,500m duo Purity Chepkirui and Winny Jemutai Boinett believe they have what it takes to land in the podium during the World Athletics Under-20 Championships slotted for August 17-22.

Eighteen-year-old Chepkirui from Nakuru County is happy to book a ticket to represent Kenya again after last year’s Africa Cross Country Championships set for Togo were cancelled.

“My training is going well, finally I will have a chance to represent my country.

I was worried about the Covid-19 pandemic but this is a good opportunity to grow my talent,” said Chepkirui.  

“Athletics isa sport I decided to try out in 2018 and see if I will win the way I see the seniors win on television.

When Kenyans win, it gives me the motivation to continue with my training.

The national anthem being sung in your honour is a very big opportunity,” added Chepkirui, as she focuses on sharpening her speed work and how to execute the race.  

Her teammate Winny Jemutai Boinnet fell in love with the sport after watching her role model, Olympics and former world champion Faith Chepng’etich Kipyegon.

“I liked how Faith ran during the 2016 Rio Olympics. She executed the race tactically and made it look achievable for me.

From there every time I watched her, the more I wanted to be like her. I hope I will be able to match her in the forthcoming championship.

“1,500m right now has a lot of competition and Tokyo Olympics 5,000m champion Sifan Hassan is now in the picture.

I believe that with training, discipline and confidence things will work out,” noted Boinnet.

She attributes her interest to her father, a former 3,000m steeplechase athlete who encourages and motivates her to be the best.

The 18-year-old from Burnt Forest in Uasin Gishu County wants to advance in the 5,000m and be like her other role model, the two-time Olympics silver and world champion Hellen Obiri.