Legendary Wanyoike back on track, aims at 2020 Olympics
After missing the 2016 Rio Olympics Games in Brazil, Paralympics marathon record holder Henry Wainyoike is poised to make a return to the track.
In fact, Wanyoike, 43, has his eyes set on the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, where he is not only aiming to participate but also claim a podium finish.
Wanyoike pulled out of the Rio Games following a road accident but has since returned to road racing.
“This year I went to Cologne Marathon in Germany and finished third, and also went for the Viena Night Run which I won. I also participated in the 10 kilometre race at the Berlin Marathon. Now I want to run in the Nairobi Stanchart Marathon on the November 26,”the legendary paralympian said.
“My next target is the marathon record that I hold since April 2005.I set it in Hamburg. I am a multiple world record holder and all of them were set in Europe – where I find it easy because the weather is favorable to me,”Wanyoike said.
Wanyoike holds the marathon record of 2:31.31 set on the April 24, 2005 in Hamburg, Germany.
He also holds the record in the 5,000 metres T12 (15:11.07) and the 10,000 T12 (31:37.25) races- all set at the 2004 Olympic games in Athens, Greece.
“I will run in 10 kilometers race in Dubai Marathon in January, before attempting the record. I also want to qualify for the games in Tokyo, Japan.”
“Currently I’m quite behind because of the accident that made me miss a lot of events last year and some months this year.”
The legendary athlete, who first made his name at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games in Australia winning gold in the 5,000 metres (15:46.29), also takes part in the annual Standard Chattered Marathon and is set to participate in this year’s event set for the November 26.
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