Kibet punches Doha ticket with 5K triumph

Kibet punches Doha ticket with 5K triumph

Gilbert Kiprotich at Nyayo Stadium

Michael Kibet from Iten conquered a strong field to win the men’s 5000m final as the trials for the World Championships kicked off on Thursday at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Kibet clocked 13:26.83 ahead of Daniel Simiyu who finished second in 13:27.95 with Nicholas Kimeli clinching the other slot to the Worlds when he came home third in 13:27.99.

The little-known Kibet said he was not afraid of the big names in the race the race that included the World Under-20 champion Edward Zakayo, Olympic 10000m silver medalist Paul Tanui and former World silver medalist Caleb Ndiku.

“I was confident since I had prepared well and despite the big names I was certain I could pull a surprise,” Kibet said.

It is more than a decade since Kenya last won a gold medal at the Worlds during the 2005 event won by Benjamin Limo and Kibet is ready to claim back the gold.

“I know it has been long since we won gold and I am ready for the challenge although I am wary of the challenge posed by the Ethiopians,” Kibet added.

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Michael Kibet

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