Manangoi ready for senior international debut

World U20 1500m champion George Meitamei Manangoi is set to make his senior international debut with a bang when he takes part in this year’s, Africa Games in Casablanca, Morocco.

The 19-year-old clocked 3:36.20 as he powered to victory in the Kenyan qualifiers ahead of Boaz Kiprugut (3:36.85) and Jonathan Sawe (3:38.46) who came in second and third respectively.

Manangoi now says finishing 2.20 seconds at high altitude behind his personal best set in Doha diamond league 3rd may, 2019 his aim is to finish in a podium position.

“I thank God for taking part in a senior race for the first time and winning is so impressive for me,” he told Citizen Digital.

“This is my first time to qualify for a senior race in international competition; I was inspired by my coach and brother who wanted me to win in the qualifiers so as to be sure of ticket to Rabat, and despite the stiff competition my work was to take number one.”

With the African games set for August 23 to September 3 in Casablanca, Morroco, the promising athlete says he is ready to roar.

“My main aim is to be in the podium in Morocco and I know I will use that chance to spring to the world athletics championship in Doha later in the year.”

Also known as the ‘young lion’, his main aim is to compete against his brother -the current world champion at the Doha Championship set for 26th September to 6th October 2019.

“My older brother, gave me the name ‘The Lion’, as a Maasai, I know the significance: it’s a title reserved for the king of the jungle, in our sport, the king of the track, and now am ready to Conquer the senior world.”

Manangoi will be partnered by Boaz Kiprugut in the 1500m Men’s race in Casablanca.
The Kenyan team will include 43 athletes competing in the track events and 13 in field competitions and managed by Coach Julius Kirwa and Joseph Ngure.

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George Manangoi Africa Games

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