Transitioning from junior to senior athletics can be a daunting challenge, and for Purity Chepkirui, the journey has been anything but smooth. The 21-year-old middle-distance runner, who once dominated the junior ranks, has faced stiff competition and new hurdles at the senior level.
Chepkirui first made a name for herself in 2021 when she clinched gold in the women’s 1500m at the World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi, clocking 4:16.07. A year later, she continued to shine, securing a bronze medal at the 2022 edition in Cali, Colombia, with an improved time of 4:07.64. However, her transition to senior-level competition has not been as seamless.
Despite winning gold in the mixed relay at the 2023 World Cross Country Championships, her individual performances have been less consistent. At the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, she finished seventh in her heat with a time of 4:04.51, failing to progress further. She also missed out on qualifying for the Kenyan team for the Paris Olympics, highlighting the steep learning curve she has encountered.
Acknowledging the difficulties, Chepkirui remains optimistic. She attributes her perseverance to her confidence and the unwavering support from her coach. “Adapting to the senior ranks has not been an easy thing, but what has worked for me has been my confidence. Also, I thank God for my coach because he has consistently encouraged me to give my best and not to be afraid of other competitors,” she said.
With renewed determination, she has set her sights on the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. Her primary goal is to secure a spot on the Kenyan team, and she is focusing on preparing for the national trials.
Her recent performance at the National Cross Country Championships in Eldoret showcased her resilience. She triumphed in the women’s 2km loop, clocking 7:01.6 to finish ahead of 2022 African 5000m champion Caroline Nyaga (7:04.3) and African 800m silver medalist Lillian Odira (7:08.2).
Chepkirui’s passion for athletics traces back to 2018 when she was in standard six. Her school’s headmaster, Mr. Siele, introduced athletics alongside handball, a sport in which the school excelled. From that moment, her journey in running began.
Though she was selected twice for the Africa Cross Country Championships in 2020 and 2021, both events were canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic. These setbacks only strengthened her resolve to succeed at the highest level.
Now, with a clear focus on redemption, Chepkirui is determined to make a mark at the 2025 World Championships.
