President Uhuru Kenyatta has led the country in congratulating steeplechase winner Beatrice Chepkoech for setting a new record in the world women steeplechase race in Monaco in the Diamond League in Monaco.
Chepkoech shattered the record by eight seconds when winning on Friday in 8 minutes and 44.52 seconds.
The Commonwealth 1,500m silver medallist became for the first woman to run a sub 8:50 when she broke Kenya born Ruth Jebet of Bahrain’s previous record of 8:52.78 set in Paris on August 27, 2016.
Another Kenyan, Timothy Cheruiyot won the men’s 1500m run and set a new record of 3.28.41 to take home the full 8 points beating his own record of 3.31.22.
Uhuru stated that the two did well and the whole country was proud of them.
“Hongera Beatrice Chepkoech for breaking the 3,000m steeplechase world record and Timothy Cheruiyot for setting the new world lead in 1500m respectively at the Monaco IAAF,” he said.
“Well run, we all won. Kenya celebrates you.”
Hongera Beatrice Chepkoech for breaking the 3,000m steeplechase World Record; and Timothy Cheruiyot for setting the new world lead in 1500m respectively at the Monaco IAAF #DiamondLeague. Well run, well won. Kenya celebrates you.
— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) July 20, 2018
Deputy President William Ruto, in his congratulatory message, told Beatrice to take a bow as the world was now at her feet.
“A glorious feat. Beatrice, take a bow. The World is at your feet,” the deputy president said.
Beatrice Chepkoech gets into the history books after smashing the 3,000m steeplechase world record at the Monaco Diamond League meeting. A glorious feat. Beatrice, take a bow. The World is at your feet. #MonacoDL pic.twitter.com/gOEmDIbGw3
— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) July 20, 2018
Sports Cabinet Secretary Richard Echesa also sent his congratulatory message to the young lass.
“Congratulations Beatrice. Kenya celebrates you for making it this far,” he tweeted.
Congratulations Beatrice Chepkoech on making a new world record in the 3000m women’s steeplechase at the Monaco Diamond league games .Kenya celebrates you for making it this far . pic.twitter.com/6jEedYLDva
— Rashid Echesa (@CSRashidEchesa) July 21, 2018
Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet said the National Police Service is proud of Beatrice’s performance having exceeded the earlier recorded by more than 8 seconds.
I wish to congratulate Police Constable (W) Beatrice Chepkoech who broke the 3000M Steeplechase World Record by more than 8 seconds last evening during the IAAF diamond league meeting in Monaco. Hongera! The National Police Service is proud of you. pic.twitter.com/J4BOS9t6ua
— Joseph Boinnet (@JBoinnet) July 21, 2018
The BBC also tweeted a message of congratulations for the police constable.
Beatrice Chepkoech smashed the 3,000m steeplechase world record on a night of impressive performances in Monaco.https://t.co/GeTWxT1kZm pic.twitter.com/alqCOHGTjm
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 20, 2018
The 27 year old police constable beat American Courtney Frerichs with a national record time of 9:00.85 as former World champion Hyvin Kiyeng came in third in 9:04.41.
“I wanted to break the World record, that was the plan from beginning of the season,” Chepkoech said. “And I was aware the biggest chance will be in Monaco due to weather, crowds and the whole environment.”
She noted that she new she was running fast splits hence not worried.
“I felt strong during the race. My dream was to break 8:50 but not 8:44.,” she said, adding that the record can be improved any time. “It is great feeling I brought back to Kenya the steeple women record. I’m very proud of it,” Chepkoech, who has been running for six years, which of them are in steeple, said.