Jepchirchir eyeing Olympic gold in Paris after London triumph
Olympic
marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir says she was not expecting
to break the women’s marathon record yesterday in London, which
she won in 2:16:16.
The field for the women's race was
considered one of the best ever assembled with three of the four fastest women
in history competing.
The 30-year-old Kenyan came home in
front of world record holder Tigst Assefa and Joyciline Jepkosgei to break the
record mark without male pacemakers.
Jepchirchir's time smashed
the women's-only course record of 2:17:01 set by compatriot Mary Keitany
in 2017.
Retired British star Paula Radcliffe
ran a time of 2:15:25 in a mixed-sex marathon in London in 2003, using male pacemakers.
"I was not expecting to run a
world record. I knew it could come but I did not expect to be the one breaking
it.
"I'm so happy to qualify for the
Olympics and I feel grateful. I'm happy to be at Paris and my prayer is to be
there and run well to defend my title. I know it won't be easy but I'll try my
best," said Jepchirchir.
“It is the best way of preparing for the Olympics in which I
hope to defend my title. We have a very strong team and I'm sure with team work
and proper preparations we will be victorious," the soft spoken
Jepchirchir added.
Jepkosgei said she was comfortable to have made the podium, revealing Jepchirchir
is an inspiration to her.
“She
has been an inspiration to us, she has mentored us always sharing what we need
to do to become great runners. I'm sure with discipline and hard work we will
get there," stated Jepkosgei.
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