Olympian Susan Ejore has set her sights firmly on a podium finish as she gears up for her maiden World Championship appearance in the women’s 1,500m at the Tokyo 2025 showdown.
The 29-year-old punched her ticket to the global showpiece and her third appearance in Team Kenya after finishing second behind the in-form Nelly Chepchirchir during the national trials on Tuesday, clocking 4:05.24 to Chepchirchir's 4:05.09.
Kenya's squad for Tokyo in the women's event will be headlined by defending champion Faith Kipyegon, with Ejore, Chepchirchir and Dorcas Ewoi joining the fray. Ejore highlighted her hunger to stand on the podium and claim her first major title for the country.
"I want to be on the podium so bad. Everybody's goal is to get a medal at the World Championships," Ejore said.
Ejore made her international debut for Kenya at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she impressed with a sixth-place finish in the final, clocking 3:56.07. Kipyegon claimed her third consecutive Olympic title, stopping the clock in an Olympic record time of 3:51.29 ahead of Australia's Jassica Hull (3:52.56) and Britain's Georgia Bell (3:52.61).
She earned her second national team cap at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, earlier this year, where she placed just outside the podium in fourth with a time of 4:03.89. The Ethiopian duo of Gudaf Tsegay (3:54.86) and Diribe Welteji (3:59.30) claimed gold and silver, with Bell rounding out the podium (3:59.84).
Reflecting on her latest selection, Ejore spoke of the immense pride and responsibility that comes with donning the Kenyan vest. "I am so happy to make Team Kenya once again. I am so excited to have this opportunity to represent Kenya. The country has given me so much, and I am excited to be heading to Tokyo," she said.
Ejore revealed that her target at the national trials was to secure a top-two finish. "I expected to execute a perfect race plan and get positions one or two. I had the time, so I was coming to fight for the position," she said.
Ejore believes she has had sufficient buildup throughout the season. "I have had a good build-up, which is key as we go into Tokyo," she added. The 2025 season has so far been a solid campaign for the American-based athlete.
She kicked off her 2025 campaign with the Indoor circuit, competing in the Mile race at the New Balance Grand Prix, placing second in 4:23.55. Her first international outdoor race was at the Kingston Grand Slam on April 4, where she stormed to a second-place finish in the 1,500m (4:05.10) before settling for a fifth-place finish (1:59.26) in the 800m.
Ejore's Diamond League campaign kicked off in Doha on May 16, placing second in 4:06.27, followed by an eighth-place finish in Paris (3:58.65) and 11th at the Prefontaine Classic (3:58.05). Having already gone toe-to-toe with elite athletes, Ejore reckons she has gained enough confidence and experience ahead of Tokyo.
"I have raced the same people over and over, so I have good experience. Right now, I am more confident and ready for Tokyo."
