Chespol reveals knee issue after steeplechase defeat at worlds

Celliphine Chespol has revealed she battled through a knee injury during this morning’s 3000m steeplechase final in Oregon, United States where she finished in 13th place.

The two-time world junior champion barely mounted a challenge, quickly wilting behind the leading pack as Kenyan-born Norah Jeruto stormed to gold for Kazakhstan.

Chespol said she started feeling the pain after the heats but there was no physiotherapist to attend to her, experiencing more during the warm up session but decided to race nonetheless.

“I started feeling the pain in my knee immediately after the heats but I had no physio to attend to me. I wasn’t even sure I would finish the race but I thank God I managed to,” Chespol said.

With the commonwealth games set to begin next Thursday, the 23-year-old remains unsure of her participation over fitness.

“The problem is we have no physiotherapist to check on us so I can’t know the extent of the injury.”

Despite the challenge faced in Oregon, Chespol who was Kenya’s sole reprehensive in the final has promised to come back stronger.

This year’s edition was the first time Kenya has failed to win a women's steeplechase medal since it was introduced as a world event.

Kenya ranks fourth in medal standings with six medals; one gold, three silvers and two bronze.