MEMORABLE MOMENTS:Olympic steeplechase champion Kipruto speaks on his milestones

Conseslus Kipruto (KEN) of Kenya celebrates after winning the race

After enjoying a near perfect season, Olympic 3,000m steeplechase champion and Diamond Race winner Conseslus Kipruto spoke on his first impressions

First coach

Japter Keter, who is still my coach today. He has been my coach since I was in Form Three in 2010. My first memory of him was in my first encounter when he told me that I have everything to be a successful runner.

First race

It’s hard to remember the first one. One of the earliest races I recall was in Lelmokwo when I ran a 10,000m race while in Standard Six. I finished last and the winner lapped me several times. Back then, I thought running was the most difficult thing in the world.

First media interview

I was first interviewed by Jonathan Komen of The Standard Group after I won 2,000m steeplechase at the 2010 East African Youth Championships in Asmara, Eritrea. It was strange to be asked all those questions.

First international competition

It was during the same competition in Asmara. To win the 2,000m steeplechase was beautiful. Asmara was such a clean-looking city.

First sport

Football and I was a striker (number nine). I was relatively good and was selected to represent my county at the provincial level. I stopped playing football when in Form Three. My head teacher wanted me to focus on athletics.

First international medal

It was gold medal in Asmara. I was, of course, very proud, but I knew I wanted more.

First athletics disappointment

It came at the 2012 Olympic trials. The week before, I had easily won the junior trials in 8:21 and believed I had a chance to make the Olympic team.

However, during the last two laps of the Olympic trials, I lost all energy and finished sixth. I couldn’t understand how I had not made the team and cried for the rest of the day. I bounced back by winning the world U20 title the following month in a championship record of 8:06.

First athletics injury

My back and hamstring gave me problems in 2014. I missed the start of the season. I basically lost a full season because of it. I only became free of the injury problems in 2015.

First sporting hero

The Ivory Coast footballer Didier Drogba. I liked his style of play. I remember one goal he scored for Chelsea when he appeared to turn 360 degrees.

First toy

There were no toys at home when I was a child, but I made my own car out of iron wire. That’s what we did; we made our own toys.

First thing learned to cook

I cooked when I was young, but not anymore. Ugali was the first dish I was taught to make. My mother taught me.

First car

Toyota Premio. I bought it in Mombasa. I drove it for about a year and a half and then traded it for a Toyota SUV.

First pet

In Kenya we don’t keep animals in the house, but we had a dog at home which stayed outdoors for security reasons. His name was Simba (means ‘Lion’).