Athletics: Korir plots for Rudisha’s 800m world record

ATHLETICS KENYA TRAIALS Winner 1500meters Men Emmanuel Korir during the Athletics Kenya National Trials Championship at Kasarani Stadium on Saturiday June 23, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

At the 2017 World Championships, Emmanuel Korir, landed in London as a hot favourite in 800m, but suffered a hip injury forcing the USA-based athlete to end his plot a frustrated man.

Fast-forward to 2018, and the 23-year-old is on a redemption mission having overcome nightmares in the 2017 season. 

Korir, who is coached by 1988 Olympic Games 800m gold medallist Paul Ereng, posted the fastest time in 800m since 2012, after clocking 1:42.05 at the London Diamond League one week ago.

With that performance, he has set his eyes on breaking David Rudisha’s six-year world record of 1:40.91 he achieved at the 2012 London Olympics Games.

“According to our training progamme, I was to break my personal best next season but it came earlier than we expected. It need to have self believe as I plan to attack Rudisha’s record next year,” said Korir.

“When I went to London’s World Championships last year, I was in very good shape. I was confident of winning my first global title, unfortunately I got injured and it was very frustrating, but I’m glad I have overcame that setback and I'm running well again."

Korir, who was recruited to by Ereng to UTEP University in United States America 2016, is among athletes who are in Nigeria for this year’s Africa Senior Athletics Championships that start tomorrow in Asaba.

Korir made headlines with his 1:43.73 in a small collegiate meeting in Berkeley, USA.

At the Kenyan national championships cum Africa Senior Athletics Championships trials, Korir won the 400m clocking 44.21 seconds, which is his personal best in the distance.

He will join forces with 2013 Africa Under-20 silver medallist Jonathan Kitilit and 2016 Diamond League 800m trophy winner Ferguson Rotich

“It always feels great to come home and represent my country. I hope to do well and finish within the podium bracket,” said Korir. [Dennis Okeyo]