Kipruto calls for patience as he recovers ahead of World Championship

 Gilbert Kiprotich in Rabat, Morocco

Olympics and World 3,000m steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto has urged his fans to be patient has he continues his long journey to recovery after enduring a prolonged injury-hit season.

Saturday’s Paris Diamond League race was Kipruto first appearance since winning bronze at the World Cross Country championships in March and while he finished fifth, he revealed that he was yet to get to his best self.

Immediately after the Paris meet, Kipruto headed to Rabat for the African Games where he was to team up with Benjamin Kigen and Joash Kiplimo in what was also the first final for Kenyans in track championships.

While home boy Soufane ElBakkali has been reigning supreme at the Diamond League including the last meet in Paris thanks to Kipruto’s absence, Monday’s final was seen to be a perfect platform for Kipruto to announce his return.

While the fast-rising Kigen – who also finished second in Paris – went on to win gold, questions however lingered on Kipruto’s fitness especially with the World Championships looming as he dropped from the Monday’s race with two laps to go.

“I know many fans look up to me and I want to assure them that Conseslus they know will be back soon. Today I opted out of the race because I still had some pains in my shoulder- the same discomfort I had in Paris but I am going to see my doctor right away and I hope to be fine soon,” said Kipruto.

With only a month remaining to the Worlds, it is a race against time for Kipruto to return to his beast as he seeks to defend his title in Doha.

“I opted out of today’s race as a precaution because my eyes are now firmly set in Doha which I know that a lot of expectation will be upon me to defend my title,” he said.

The 24-year-old who has been one of the most decorated athletes of his generation having bagged virtually all the top honours including the Continental Cup, Commonwealth Games and African Championships.

“For me I like challenges and I will never go down without a fight that is why I came here even though I was not well. Some may say what they want but I don’t really care,” added Kipruto.