Biwott claims steeplechase title at KDF Championships, eyes world stage

Biwott, fresh from a fifth-place finish at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet in Poland, led from the gun to tape, clocking 9:51.18 in dominant fashion on Day Two of the 45th KDF Championships.

Dorothy Kimutai followed in 10:15.60, while Sheila Chepneg’etch sealed third in 10:22.10.

“I was well-prepared for this championship,” Biwott said. “It’s a good benchmark as we head into the World Championships trials.”

At the Irena Szewińska Memorial meet in Poland on May 30, Biwott finished fifth in a career-best 9:24.03 in a race won by Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani (9:14.90).

She credits her podium finish at the Chepsaita Cross Country race in Uasin Gishu earlier this year as the catalyst to her current exploits.

“That third place really helped me build mental strength and endurance, been away for a year before  that event ” she added.

The 21-year-old has her sights firmly set on making Kenya’s team to the World Championships set for September in Tokyo.

“My ultimate goal is to qualify for Worlds. I’m working hard in training, especially on speed, which I know I need to sharpen,” she said.

Biwott also draws motivation from Olympic champion Winfred Yavi.

“She’s my role model. I’ve learnt a lot just by watching her. I hope to reach that level,” she noted.

The Moi Air Base-based athlete had earlier claimed the steeplechase win at the AK Weekend Meet in Thika this February, clocking 10:16.00. Kimutai was again second (11:00.4) with Ann Gathoni third (11:02.2).

Select Day II Results – KDF Championships

20km Walk – Women

1.    Naum Jepkirui – 51:13.7

2.    Linda Murugi Waweru – 54:58.1

3.    Judy Terer – 58:41.1

4.    Mercy Cherotich – 1:01:08

20km Walk – Men

1.    Stephen Ndangili – 41:19.3

2.    Peter Theuri – 42:46.4

3.    Jimmy Oroni – 43:14.3

4.    Nicodemus Musau – 43:20.3

400m – Women

1.    Mercy Oketch – 52.73

2.    Lanoline Akoko Owino – 54.20

3.    Margaret Naserian Tajeu – 55.12

4.    Muthoni Njeri – 57.45

Shot Put – Women

1.    Belinda Oburu – 14.72m

2.    Sarah Atieno Okumu – 14.67m

3.    Njau Ruguru – 13.77m

4.    Maorine Akisa – 11.26m

Triple Jump – Women

1.    Martha Monyenche Nyabuto – 13.24m (New Record)

2.    Faith Jepkemoi – 13.06m

3.    Gloria Mulei – 11.97m

Shot Put – Men

1.    George Malala – 16.36m

2.    Benson Wachira Maina – 15.53m

3.    Caleb Kiprop Chepkwony – 15.49m