Beatrice Chepkoech, the 3,000-meter steeplechase world record holder, has withdrawn from the World Athletics Championships, which begin on Friday in Oregon, United States, due to an injury.
Chepkoech, whose 8:44.32 personal best is the world record, will be a major blow to Team Kenya’s endeavors in Oregon.
the reigning champion.
As a result, Kenya will only field three competitors in the heat on Saturday night at Hayward Field,Oregon.
Chepkoech disclosed in an exclusive interview with Nation Sport that she traveled abroad last week for medical care in the Netherlands. The physicians informed Chepkoech that she has a stress fracture and advised against her participating in the World Championships.“I have just returned from the Netherlands where I had gone for treatment and my doctor asked me not to run because it would worsen the injury, especially when scaling the barriers.”
“I would have loved to join the team in Oregon to defend my title but it’s not possible and I want to wish my compatriots all the best in their race tomorrow. I would like to ask them to make sure they qualify for the final then they can hatch a plan on how to go for the title which is in Kenya,” said Chepkoech.
