Team Kenya will do everything in their power to reclaim the men's steeplechase title at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, starting this weekend, Leonard Bett has said.
Bett, a member of the trio tasked with flying the country's flag in the water and barrier race, pledged a vintage performance in the Hungarian capital.
The nation is counting on Bett, Abraham Kibiwott and Simon Koech to deliver the title that was traditionally Kenya's until Moroccan Soufiane El Bakali broke the pattern in Oregon last year.
Bett said: "The task of regaining the glory is quite difficult but we are making every effort to do so. We have a fantastic team in Kibiwott, Koech and myself. We have been training hard and I am confident that we are ready to bring home the medals."
"While it won't be simple, we are ready for the challenge ahead. We will strive for a podium sweep and let God take care of the rest," he added.
Bett lauded Athletics Kenya's travel plans, saying their early arrival in the Hungarian capital was likely to enhance their competitive edge.
"We are pleased with the decision that was made to fly us to Hungary days before the competition. This will give us adequate time to recover and adjust to the country's climate before the championships begin," Bett explained.
"Our immediate goal is to get past the preliminary rounds. That is our primary focus right now. We will put in our best effort to secure a spot in the finals and fight for every medal."
Kenya has won 13 of the 16 men's steeplechase gold medals since 1991 with the legendary Moses Kiptanui claiming three global titles.
The exceptions were in 2003 and 2005 when Saif Saaeed Shaheen - a Kenyan-born athlete running for Qatar — clinched gold as well as last year in Oregon.
Conseslus Kipruto was the last Kenyan to win the title in 2019 at the Doha World Championships on return from a stress fracture in his ankle.
He clocked 8:01.35 to beat Ethiopian Lamecha Girma in a photo finish.
Bett wrapped up ninth in the race. During last year's edition in Eugene Oregon, Kipruto settled for bronze after surrendering the title to El Bakali, who broke the tape in 8:25.13.
Whereas Kibiwott finished fifth (8:28.95), Bett was 15th in 8:36.74.
){kind=link}
