Jackline Chepkoech revealed the reason behind her disappointing performance at the Paris Olympic Games that saw her get eliminated from the first round of the women's 3000m Steeplechase.
After winning her gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Jackline Chepkoech has struggled to live up to the billing, with her latest disappointment coming at the Paris Olympics.
Chepkoech finished 12th in 9:35.56, competing in heat two. World champion Winfred Yavi and Sembo Almayew finished first and second respectively. American Valerie Constien completed the podium in the race.
Following her dismal performance, Chepkoech explained that she has been battling a series of injuries that have slowed her down in the past seasons, with the Paris Olympics and World Championships being no exception.
13:29 - 04.08.2024
Paris Olympics: Beatrice Chepkoech & Faith Cherotich into steeplechase final as Jackline Chepkoech disappoints
World record holder Beatrice Chepkoech and youngster Faith Cherotich will team up in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase final after sealing their place on Sunday.
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The 20-year-old wished her compatriots, Beatrice Chepkoech and Faith Cherotich all the best as they seek to win Kenya’s first gold medal on the Olympic stage.
“The race was good but after a long time I had an injury since last year so I thank God that I’m here and I’m grateful to God,” Chepkoech said.
“We pray that they bring us any medal. The heat was too much during the race so the body has to adjust to that faster,” she added.
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Ferdinand Omanyala finished second last on 10.08 seconds, with Jamaica's Kishane Thompson easily winning the third semi-final on 9.80 seconds.
Meanwhile, Chepkoech also made the team to the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary but struggled to make an impact. She finished ninth in the final in 9:14.72 in the women’s 3000m steeplechase final.
She clocked a season best time of 9:19.64 at the Diamond League Meeting in Xiamen where she finished fourth. She was impressive at the Kenyan Olympic trials, finishing third behind Cherotich and Beatrice and was hoping to impress at the Paris Olympics.
She now bids goodbye to her chances of winning an Olympic title and will have to wait until the 2028 LA Olympic Games. She also shifts focus to her recovery and hope to make the team to the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.