DAVID HARDENArizona Daily Wildcat UA cross country runner Robert Cheseret is the Arizona Daily Wildcat athlete of the week after finishing first in last week's Murray Invitational.

When Robert Cheseret crossed the finish line first in last week's Dave Murray Invitational, the budding cross-country speedster got one step closer to becoming a star at Arizona.

Born in Kapsabet, Kenya as the eighth of ten children, running has always been in Cheseret's blood. His older brother, Bernard Lagat, a former University of Washington standout, has inspired the freshman's career. Lagat became famous during the 2000 Olympics by claiming the bronze medal in the 1,500-meter dash.

Cheseret has followed in his brother's footsteps early in his sprinting career. After being named the high school athlete of the year at Kurkung Boys High School in Kapsabet, Cheseret broke the freshman record at Arizona in the 5,000-meter run with a time of 13:45.88. The Kenya native then sped to a third-place finish in the 5,000-meter dash during the 2003 NCAA Outdoor Championships.

This fall, he needed no time to pick up where he left off last semester, fending off four Arizona State runners in Friday's 6,300-kilometer race to win his first career meet.

Wildcat: How long have you been running?

Cheseret: I have been running for about five years now. I started when I was in high school.

Wildcat: How long have you been in the United States?

Cheseret: Since December.

Wildcat: How is it different from Kenya?

Cheseret: It's different because it's a little hotter in the summer than in Kenya.

Wildcat: How come you picked the UA?

Cheseret: I picked the U of A because I saw the performers for the U of A, and (because of) the academics.

Wildcat: How come you didn't go to Washington?

Cheseret: Because my brother moved to Tucson. So I decided to come to Tucson. Also, I didn't go to Washington because it was cold.

Wildcat: Who has been helping you adjust to life in Tucson?

Cheseret: Since I came here, I've been hanging around with my teammates.

Wildcat: How have Coach Harvey and Coach Li helped out?

Cheseret: They have helped. They are there for me when I have problems.

Wildcat: Do you speak any languages other than English?

Cheseret: Yes, I speak Swahili. I speak three languages.

Wildcat: As far as running goes, who are some of your idols?

Cheseret: My brother has been motivating me.

Wildcat: How has your brother helped you along with your career?

Cheseret: He has helped a lot with motivation and training. Sometimes I train with him. I think that helps a lot.

Wildcat: You grew up with ten brothers and sisters. Did that ever cause a lot of fights?

Cheseret: Yes, sometimes.

Wildcat: Are you the youngest?

Cheseret: I am the youngest of the boys. I have two sisters younger.

Wildcat: Do they run also?

Cheseret: My sister went to the University of Toledo. She's now running.

Wildcat: Do you see the Olympics in your future?

Cheseret: Yes, in the future.

Wildcat: So if you and your brother were to race right now, who would win?

Cheseret: (laughs) I think right now my brother would beat me, but after some time I will get some skills and more strength. Now I think he is going to beat me.