Share

Jepkosgei eyes Moscow

Nairobi - Former world 800m champion Janeth Jepkosgei Busienei is confident of making her fourth appearance at the world athletics championships despite struggling to finish in the last Olympics.

The 29-year-old Kenyan, who won her first world title in Osaka in 2007 before finishing second to compatriot Pamela Jelimo at the Beijing Olympics, has looked below her best in the two-lap race, and was even considering switching to the 1 500m in Moscow.

But with Jelimo sidelined with a knee injury Jepkosgei believes she is still strong enough to challenge the mighty Russians in their own backyard in August.

"I am happy about my training and the preparations for the world championships," said Jepkosgei who is included in the provisional squad of 69 athletes which started early residential training for the worlds in Nairobi early this month.

Her qualifying time of 2:00.00 was recorded when she finished eighth and last at the London Olympics last August.

"I am readying myself to run again against the Russian girls - reigning Olympic champion Mariya Savinova and Ekaterina Poistogova (bronze medallist) at home.

"I know it will not be easy but I just need to remain focused and hopefully all will be well," Jepkosgei said.

The athlete, who also won a bronze medal in Daegu two years ago, opted to compete in the shorter 400m as speed work for the 800m during the Kenyan national championships on Friday, but was beaten into second place by African 400m hurdles bronze medallist, Maureen Chelagat.

Jepkosgei will also have to negotiate through the Kenyan national trials in July to make sure of her place in the world championship team.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2241 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE