The 3000m steeplechase record holder did not compete at last year’s Oregon World Championships owing to a hamstring injury and a stress fracture around her left ankle joint.
In Budapest, Kenyan-born Winfred Yavi won gold for Bahrain after she out-kicked Chepkoech with less than 500m to go, forcing the Kenyan to settle for silver.
Chepkoech’s compatriot Faith Cherotich took bronze.
The 23-year-old Yavi crossed the finish line in a world-leading eight minutes 54.29 seconds – fourth fastest ever – for the victory, while the 32-year-old Chepkoech crossed in 8:58.98 for silver.
Speaking after winning silver in Budapest, Chepkoech was all smiles: “I am happy because I have been out for the last three years. A podium is not something easy for any athlete to achieve. So, I am happy for the silver.”
Chepkoech reckons that her performance has reignited her quest for the Olympic steeplechase gold in Paris.
“Since we are going for Olympics next summer, I am going to work towards a proper comeback, maybe I will win the Olympics.”
“The final in Budapest was an epic one. I knew that if the pace was going to be slow, I might miss out on a medal. Therefore, I tried my level best to control the race all though, so that I don’t struggle in the latter stages as I still don’t have a kick because I have a hamstring problem.”
Chepkoech says her comeback means a lot to her already colorful career.
“Last year, I was well prepared but the injury came in a month to Oregon. So, coming back and winning silver is a great achievement. I’m happy for Faith Cherotich because she’s actually following in my footsteps,” said Chepkoech.
Chepkoech won gold medals at the 2019 World Championships and 2018 African Championships.
