Okoth eyes one last vintage performance at Olympics

National boxing team ‘Hit Squad’ skipper Nick Okoth is stepping up his preparations as he seeks to exit the global stage on a high.

Okoth has already sealed his ticket at the delayed Olympic Games slated for next year in Tokyo, Japan where he is targeting a gold medal before hanging up his gloves.

“I want to close with a gold medal and that is my prayer. For now, however I have not hit my top form, it is still work in progress,” said Okoth.

Despite the global event being postponed by a year owing to coronavirus, Okoth remains calm as he awaits to make a return to the Olympics after a 12-year absence.

“I think everything happens for a reason and for me I am always flexible and thus the postponement of the event has not changed my mentality in any way,” he said.

The 37-year-old pugilist said has since resumed contact training alongside his training mates and coaches after the Ministry of Sports gave green light for the reopening of gyms and fitness facilities.

With the clock ticking towards the Games, Okoth is happy with his training regime and has hailed the coaching staff led by Benjamin Musa.

“At the moment we are looking beyond punching bags and shifting our focus on power which is a very critical aspect in the sport. I can say our coaches have done a lot and what I am impressed with is the relationship we have developed between us and our trainers,” said Okoth.

Okoth and Commonwealth Games flyweight bronze medallist Christine Ongare are the only Kenyan boxers that have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics set for July 23-August 8, 2021.