The first batch of Kenyan left for Doha this morning ahead of global showpiece that begins Friday in Doha, Qatar.
The men’s 3,000m steeplechase is acclaimed globally as ‘Kenya’s event’, but other countries have been slowly clawing their way into the party, an onslaught defending champion Conseslus Kipruto promises he will fend off as the World Championships kicks on Friday in Doha, Qatar.
Going to the global showpiece which runs from September 27-October 6, Kenya has won 12 out of 16 at the water-and-barriers; with three clean sweeps in Edmonton 2001, Osaka 2007, and Beijing 2015.
In Doha, Conseslus who is seeking to defend his title will have for company National Trials winner and World Under-20 silver medalist Leonard Bett, Diamond League specialist Benjamin Kigen and Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Abraham Kibiwott to ensure the winning history is preserved.
In a year with no single dominant force, Conseslus may fancy his chances of retaining his title. The Olympic gold medallist missed most of the season through injury and only made his season track debut at the end of August, placing fifth at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Paris.
“It has been a terrible season due to injury but I have healed and the pain is gone. By the time I featured in Paris and Brussels, I had slight pain that’s why I didn’t do well. Now the strategy is to be at my best in order to retain my title. There is little pressure especially from Ethiopians and Moroccans, but I’m confident together with my teammates, we will deliver victory,” Conseslus said.
Kigen is a relative newcomer to the discipline, but has established himself as one of the best steeplechasers in the world and recently won the African Games title. Apart from Conseslus, Kigen is the country’s best hope of adding to that tally in Doha.
“This the second time I will be wearing the national colours having made my debut last year at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, it was great experience which I want to build on as we head to the World championships. I hope to better my bronze in Doha, but generally we have to win as a team to ensure we deliver victory for Kenya,” said Kibiwott.
The strong challenge will emerge from Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkali and Ethiopian Getnet Wale, the 2019 Diamond League winner in Brussels two weeks ago. The Moroccan claimed silver in London two years ago and was fourth at the 2016 Olympic Games.
Meanwhile, the first batch of Kenyan team left the country this morning. The team consist of sprinters, 10,000m squad, women’s marathon team. The last team to leave for Doha will be men’s marathon team, which departs on October 2.
