Olympic champ Kipruto unrelenting in World Record chase

Freshly minted Olympic champion, Conselus Kipruto, says that he is eyeing top honours at the London World Championships set to be held on August 4-13 next year.

The Olympics record holder capped off a brilliant season with a Diamond League trophy and a Ksh4 million cash prize scoop in Brussels, Belgium and has set his sights on hunting down the world record of 7:53.63 held by Kenyan-born Qatari Saif Saeed Shaheen.

Speaking at a colourful homecoming ceremony organized in his honour at Lutiet Village in Nandi County, the 21-year-old thanked his fans adding that he felt he was satisfied by the achievements of his 2016 season and would take a short break to recover.

“When I was in Olympics I was with Kemboi and Brimin. Kemboi was looking for third his medal, Brimin second medal and I, my first Olympics medal. I prayed hard asking God to grant me my first medal in my first Olympics. I was in good shape this season and I knew that I would win that gold medal. I promised myself to win it and I did it and to my family and friends. I’m very happy, they organized a homecoming party for me. I feel very humbled,” he stated.

Kipruto set an Olympics record of 8:03.28 ahead of American, Evan Jager (8:04.28) who is proving to be a threat to Kenyan dominance in the discipline with French man Mekhissi Mahiedine (8:11.52 ) elevated to bronze medal, after two-time Olympics Champion Ezekiel ‘Baba Yao’ Kemboi was disqualified and stripped off the bronze medal for stepping out of the line.Beijing Olympics gold medallist Brimin Kiprop Kipruto stopped the timer at 8:18.79 for seventh place.

He added that he would resume light training in December as he prepares to put another breath-taking performance at the world championships.

“I have already ended my season and shall start my season slowly in December as I build up for London World Championships, and then do serious training from January because I’m eyeing the championship medal.

“I urge all upcoming athletes to be disciplined and follow their training programme to the letter your body will eventually respond to it and you will get good results. I was also once an upcoming athlete.” He advised,” the Beijing championships silver medalist advised.

Two-time Olympics gold medalist and three-time world champion Ezekiel Kemboi, Rio Olympics gold medalist Eliud Kipchoge, Beijing Olympics and three-time world champion Asbel Kiprop, Beijing Olympics and Beijing championships bronze medallist Brimin Kipruto, Rio Olympics gold medalist Jemimah Sumgong and World 400m hurdles Champion Nicholas Bett were among the elite athletes who lead family, friends, and even politicians in gracing the ceremony.

Nandi County Governor, Cleophas Lagat, who was also present during the event said that the County will fete athletes next month during Mashujaa Day. Lagat further warned athletes from engaging in doping that has seen many athletes banned from competition.

Former Nominated parliamentarian, Mark Too, urged the government to stop interfering with the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Nock) adding that the interference was painting a bad image of the nation. Too maintained that there is a need for the Athletics Kenya to re-write article and memorandum of understanding so as to bring reforms in athletics at large.

-Additional reporting by Charity Wanja