Three of the most in-form long distance athletes returned on Tuesday night promising an unrelenting pursuit for glory at August’s Berlin World Championships. Olympic 1,500m silver medallist, Asbel Kiprop, African title holder over the same distance, Haron Keitany and steeplechaser, Paul Kipsiele Koech arrived back from Eugene, Oregon, where they starred at Sunday’s Pre Fontaine Classic meeting.
"I have better speed after doing well in 800m and more experience for championships now. I’m okay with all aspects of my form now and winning a medal in Berlin is what I’m preparing for," Kiprop, who edged out Keitany for victory in the Bowerman Mile race, said.
"My biggest threats are from here with guys like Augustine Choge and Keitany also in good form but I foresee Kenya winning 1,500m gold in Berlin," he added.
Kiprop received an early birthday present (he turns 20 this month) with victory at Pre Fontaine.
He began waving to the crowd before crossing the finish line and still clocked 3:48.50 –– the second-fastest mile run on US soil.
It’s been a roaring start to the outdoor season for Kiprop who finished second at the Doha Super Grand Prix with his Personal Best and third quickest 800m time of the year (1:43.17) before winning his speciality at Hengelo in 3:34.45.
Top medal
He will compete in Ostrava (Golden Spike, June 17) and Rome (Golden Gala, July 10) before returning for the July 25 Trials for Berlin.
"I’m aiming at running 3:30 or under in those events," Kiprop disclosed.
Keitany, the bridesmaid in Eugene who clocked 3:48.78, exuded confidence in his form, saying he was also targeting a top medal in Berlin.
"My training is coming on well and finishing second to him (Kiprop) showed that I’m on the right track. I still have time to work to my best shape before the trials and Berlin," he said.
Kipsiele Koech, who chalked up his third victory of the season in the water and barriers race in Eugene (8:13.44) revealed he would focus on winning the only event he lost last season –– the Kenyan Trials.
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