It takes good emotional balance, discipline, desire to have a healthy rivalry and top physical conditioning to excel at the highest level in athletics, according to 1,500m star attraction Silas Kiplagat.
The 2011 World Championship silver medallist was speaking ahead of the IAAF Diamond League race today in Eugene, USA where he praised Asbel Kiprop for his competitive spirit.
"We have always resolved to give it (1,500m rivalry) our best. We remember when we were young, the way Bernard Lagat and El Garouj and Noah Ngeny competed and we feel we can take this game to another level," Kiplagat said.
Kiprop, a three-time world champion clocked an impressive personal best of 3:26.69 over 1,500m set in Monaco on July 17 last year, while Kiplagat's best stands at 3:27.64 also set in Monaco on July 18, 2014.
"It takes discipline and dedication to be able to churn out consistent results and always be there at the top," Kiplagat told Feverpitch, adding that he enjoys the racing in Eugene.
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"It is my sixth year running here and almost the same number of years going head-to-head with Asbel. We have met like 35 five times and I can tell you it is very interesting to compete against top athletes like Asbel."
One of Kiplagat's management team members, Kiara Davini said she cannot wish for more from the athlete.
"He is a top professional. I have never had problems with him. He is very disciplined. I do call him very late at night and some other time, very early in the morning. If there was any form of truancy (sic), I would know," Davini said, amid high-pitched laughter from Kiplagat.
"I know he is a young man and would want to play games here and there, but I tell you what, he is very disciplined. However, he nearly gives me a heart attack with this tactic of running from behind," Davini said.
When reminded that Asbel also runs from behind, Davini quickly said the Olympic and World champion has the benefit of long strides and is tall enough to monitor proceedings from the top.
"But this one here is shorter, yet he wants to run from behind. I know he has the finishing power, but I don't want that. I always ask him to watch videos on YouTube, but I guess it is too late to change things," Davini said.
