NAIROBI, Kenya, February 17, 2025 – The 2021 World Relay silver medalist Naomi Korir is avoiding early celebrations in her mission to qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo.
Korir says it is premature to start popping the champagne when she has not yet met the qualification mark for the women’s 800m.
“I wouldn’t start talking about Tokyo right now because I have not yet made the qualification mark for the 800m. The standards are so high and that is what I am preparing for currently,” the 26-year-old said.
Korir was in excellent form in the Betika Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country Series where she triumphed in the women’s 2km loop.
She first won in Iten in October last year, triumphed in Bomet, the following month before wrapping up a successful series with victory in Ol Kalou.
The Grifone Meeting 800m champion began her track and field season on a high when she won the women’s 5000m at the Betika AK Track and Field Weekend meeting at the Mumias Sports Complex on Saturday.
She clocked 16:17.3 to clinch first place, ahead of Betty Chepkemoi Kibet (16:22.2) and Fridah Bosibori (16:55.2) who came second and third respectively.
Looking back to her performance, Korir is confident it stands her in good stead ahead of the national trials for the Tokyo championships.
“All the work I have been putting in the long distance races have been to build on my endurance. Starting from the cross country and now here, in the women’s 5000m, I am very satisfied with how far I have come and I will be looking forward to the national trials,” she said.
Korir will be seeking her third consecutive appearance at the World Championships after Oregon (2022) and Budapest (2023).
