Jepkosgei famously known as ‘Eldoret Express’ will partner World champion Eunice Sum, Kenya Prisons runner Sylvia Chesebe, former World Youth winner, Cherono Koech, Agatha Jeruto, and Miriam Chepkemoi in the women 4x800m at the global showpiece that runs May 24 and 25.
“Everyone is taking this championship seriously and for me it’s something different in my career so we are looking forward for the event and hoping to perform well.
“It’s also easier for us since we are doing the 800m that I’m used to, we just need to work hard in training and to prepare like any other championship.
“We have a strong team for example in my team the ladies are well prepared and the good thing is that we have worked together for long, so we are going for the win and if a record comes we will appreciate,” Jepkosgei who won the 2007 Osaka World Championship, told Capital Sport on Wednesday.
Jepkosgei expects stiff competition from Russia, USA and Great Britain and departed the country Wednesday with Jeruto and Africa Cross Country champion Faith Chepng’etich for the IAAF Diamond League opener in Doha Qatar on Friday.
Two time 1500m World Champion, Asbel Kiprop, commonwealth winner Silas Kiplagat, 1500m women World bronze medallist Hellen Obiri and 5000m World silver medalist Mercy Cherono are among the 16 who also left the camp for Doha on Tuesday.
At the same, the men 4x 200m sprinters team that comprises of Stephen Baraza, Walter Moenga, Boniface Khagai, Stanley Kieti and Said Ruto, has sent a warning to their competitors not to underrate them.
“Its not that we are over confidence but this is our time to prove to the world that we are able. We will be there and we are going to make a bold statement.
“We want the world to recognize us and in whatever means we are going to be a pain to all other teams since our aim is to reach the finals because we have to take Kenya where it was.
“It’s possible since we are in good shape, the training is good and it’s upon us to perform. We are optimistic and we hope for the best,” 200m runner Moenga expressed.
The team was earlier omitted only to be brought in later after Athletics Kenya bowed to pressure.
Head coach Sammy Rono, said morale is high at the camp and they are looking forward to lay a mark at the maiden event but at the same time he will approach the championship cautiously.
“We don’t want to underrate anyone but we have a good team that is capable of registering good results.
“Today we did some drills since it was our second day and for the 4x800m and 4x 1500m both men and women we don’t have much to do since they are experienced its only getting the speed work and endurance,” Rono stated.
“For the sprinters we are concentrating on them since we will be facing very good teams like the host, USA, Jamaica so it will be very competitive but if we reach semi-final it will be okay with me,” the coach added on sprinters.
The team of 30 is expected to depart on May 17th for Bahamas.
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