Kiprop’s draws lessons from Berlin

By James Waindi

Olympic champion Asbel Kiprop will use the lessons learnt at the World Championships last year to bag gold at the 17th African Senior Athletics Championships starting in Nairobi next Wednesday.

Kiprop, who was a pre-race favourite in Berlin, Germany last year, fumbled and finished in a shocking fourth position, three minutes 36.47 seconds and he says he has learnt from his mistakes and would use the lesson learnt to go for glory at the continental championships.

Asbel Kiprop leads Alfred Kirwa during training at Kasarani, yesterday. [PHOTO: STAFFORD ONDEGO/STANDARD]

"I had a bad race in Berlin last year, and it is something I would not want to remember. I went to the World Championships in good shape just like I am now, but a slight error cost me and my country a gold medal.

Africa Games

"I have learnt a lot from the race and I am going to use the lessons during the African Championships because it will be equally tough," Kiprop told FeverPitch at Kasarani yesterday.

Kiprop, who also won 1,500m gold at the All Africa Games in Algiers, Algeria in 2007 said he expected a tough outing, but vowed to fight for gold to compensate for his poor show in Berlin and at the last continental championships where he finished third in 800m.

"I expect stiff challenge from Nicholas Kemboi, who is perceived to be the best over the distance at the moment and Silas Kiplagat who finished second behind me at the national trials.

"I’m sure Ethiopia’s Deresse Mekonnen and Gelete Burka will push me to the line, but I am prepared for the challenge and my eyes are focused on the gold medal," Kiprop said.

The athlete said he decided to concentrate on a single race instead of running the 800m as well, to be able to focus and give his best. He said he wanted to continue his winning streak to the continental event, and maintain a 100 per cent record this season.

"I have won all my races this season, starting from the Shanghai Classic, Prefontaine, Oslo, the national trials and Gateshead Grand Prix and I would like to carry the form to Nyayo stadium during the Africa championships," Kiprop, who has a season best time of 3:32.20 said.

Meanwhile, African 800m champion David Lekuta Rudisha and Ines Chenonges became the latest stars to join camp at Kasarani yesterday.