Uganda’s Olympic steeplechase champion Peruth Chemutai is targeting a strong performance at the upcoming Eugene Diamond League slated for July 4, in the United States, with her sights set on challenging the women’s 3,000 metres steeplechase world record. Chemutai heads into the prestigious meeting in high spirits after winning the Doha Diamond League earlier this season. The Ugandan star is expected to face stiff competition from Kenya’s Faith Cherotich and Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi, two of the leading athletes in the event.
Speaking to Uganda Radio network (URN) in Kapchorwa, ahead of the race, Chemutai expressed confidence in her preparations and said she is hopeful of producing a personal best performance if conditions are favourable. “I am optimistic about Eugene and if everything goes well, I believe I can run a personal best,” Chemutai said.
Chemutai currently holds a personal best time of 8 minutes and 48 seconds, just four seconds shy of the world record of 8:44.32 set by Kenya’s Beatrice Chepkoech. A strong showing in Eugene could bring her closer to the historic mark and further establish her among the world’s elite steeplechasers. Chemutai has been training in Kapchorwa under the guidance of her personal coach, Denis Okiror, who believes the athlete is in excellent condition ahead of the competition.
Okiror said the team has implemented a customized training programme aimed at sharpening Chemutai’s strengths and ensuring she remains competitive against the world’s best athletes.
“Peruth is in good form and a personal best is possible. We have tailored her training to prepare her favourably for the challenges she will face at the highest level,” Okiror said.
The Eugene Diamond League meeting will also serve as an important part of Chemutai’s preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. According to her, the competition will also help her build both physical fitness and mental readiness ahead of the multi sport event.
“Eugene is important because it will help me prepare mentally and physically for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow,” Chemutai noted.
Uganda Athletics President Dominic Otuchet welcomed Chemutai’s participation in the Diamond League circuit, saying such competitions are critical in maintaining athletes’ competitiveness while also providing financial opportunities.
Otuchet said regular participation in elite international competitions allows athletes to remain active and measure themselves against the best in the world.
“Diamond League competitions are important because they keep athletes active and competitive, while also providing financial benefits since athletics is an investment,” Otuchet said.
The Eugene Diamond League is one of the most competitive meetings on the global athletics calendar and is expected to attract some of the world’s leading track and field stars. For Chemutai, the event presents another opportunity to continue her impressive season and edge closer to both a personal best and the world record before turning her focus to Glasgow-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
