After Amsterdam Marathon win, Kiprop now eyes Beijing Worlds

Bernard Kiprop Kipyego during the interview

One distinctive feature makes Bernard Kiprop Kipyego stand out from other Kenyan marathoners is that he earned his maiden victory after competing in 10 marathons.

His athletics script, lifestyle and determination do not match his small physique.

Mostly known as ‘junior’ in athletics circles due his looks, Kiprop is mentioned in the same breath as the newly crowned world marathon record holder Dennis Kimetto (2:02.57) and former title holder Wilson Kipsang’.

Not bad for a boy who took up athletics 10 years without a win in sight; but rivers of fortune flowed for him when he chalked up victory at the TSC Amsterdam Marathon last Sunday.

It was a moment of sheer bliss for Kiprop, who has finished third in Boston and Chicago marathons.

“Winning my first marathon in life means a lot to me, especially after competing in 10 marathons. It has been a long journey that I want to take it to the next level as I train my focus in breaking the world record in future, just as my friends Dennis Kimetto and Wilson Kipsang’ did. I know it’s not easy, but I will try,” Kipyego said in Eldoret on Thursday.

Kipyego, 29, wants to do something special while still young.

“I want to improve on my time, then go for the world record, which I think is possible since I have enough experience and I am energetic and powerful. It only depends on the course and weather conditions,” he said.

He had to atone for his poor showing at the 15th IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia, last year.

As a junior, Kiprop posted brilliant performance where he won silver medal at the 2005 World Cross-Country Championships in St Etienne in France when Prisons coach Abraham Kiplimo referred him as ‘kijana ya mwaka chache (a man with young age), a junior, literally.

Kipyego wants AK to name the World Championships early to allow for adequate preparation. He says if given a chance, he will prove himself by winning a medal.