NAIROBI, Kenya, January 5, 2025 – Youngster Diana Chepkemoi wants to smash the world record for the women’s 3000m steeplechase, this year.
The World Under 20 3000m steeplechase bronze medalist says she is working hard in training to achieve this lofty dream.
“Let me go back to training and prepare for the track and field season. My objective is to break the world record for the women’s 3000m steeplechase this season,” she said.
Fellow countrywoman Beatrice Chepkoech holds the title of the ‘world’s fastest woman’ in the hurdles-and-barrier race after clocking 8:44.32 at the Monaco Diamond League in 2018.
On the other hand, Chepkemoi announced herself on the world stage when she timed 9:29.84 to bag bronze at the World Under 20 Championships in Lima, Peru in August last year.
The 17-year-old began 2025 in the best possible way, clocking 20:07.7 to finish third in the Under 20 women’s 6km race at the final leg of the Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country Series at the Cardinal Otunga High School in Mosocho, Kisii on Saturday.
Joyline Chepkemoi clinched top honours in 19:54.1 as Cynthia Chepkurui came second in 19:54.2.
Reflecting on her performance, Chepkemoi believes it is the perfect platform for her to build upon a successful season.
Her next port of call will be the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour in Eldoret where she is aiming for nothing short of victory.
“I am praying to God to help me get into peak fitness. I was at the Great Chepsaita Cross Country but things did not go according to plan because I had a small accident. I am slowly healing and I can see that there is improvement so I want to keep training in preparation for the national championships as well as the Sirikwa Classic. I am confident of performing well in both competitions,” the youngster said.
The national cross country championships is set for February 8.
