Celestine Biwott is seizing her big moment on the global stage as she gears up for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. Drafted into Kenya’s women’s steeplechase squad as a late call-up, Biwott has expressed confidence that with the right push, she can challenge reigning champion Winfred Yavi for the crown.
The 22-year-old revealed that she had been keeping herself in top condition despite initially missing out on automatic selection. Her inclusion came after adjustments under World Athletics rules, opening the door for her first appearance at the prestigious championships. At the national trials, Biwott narrowly missed the top three with a fourth-place finish, but her persistence has now earned her a chance to shine.
“This will be my first time competing at the World Championships, and I feel really good,” she explained. “The training has been impressive, and I even got the chance to make my Diamond League debut in Brussels, where I lined up in the newly introduced steeplechase mile against top athletes like Yavi.”
For Biwott, the initial target is straightforward—secure a place in the final. She admitted that defeating Yavi is possible but stressed that it will require immense effort, especially with the unpredictability of championship racing. “I want to get to the final, and then we shall see what happens. At a championship, you can’t predict who will win; you just have to give your best.”
Kenya’s women’s steeplechase team carries high expectations as they aim to reclaim a title last won in 2019 by Beatrice Chepkoech. While Biwott may be the least experienced member of the squad, her hunger and determination stand out. She has yet to strategize with her teammates on how best to tackle Yavi, but she insists they are united in their goal of bringing medals home.
With Tokyo set to host some of the fiercest battles in distance running, Biwott’s story is one of opportunity meeting preparation. As the countdown to September 13 approaches, all eyes will be on the young Kenyan to see if she can rise to the occasion and challenge the dominance of the Bahraini star.
