By Mutwiri MutuotaUnheralded runners have shot to instant fame at previous World Championships in the men’s 800m and Berlin could be no different.
Paul Ruto (1993), Andre Bucher (2001), Djabir SaÔd Guerni (2003), Rashid Ramzi (2005) and Alfred Kirwa (2007) made mockery of the favourite tag to forge their names in men 800m World Champions roster.
Alfred Kirwa during Berlin Trials at Nyayo National Stadium last month. He finished second behind David Rudisha.
Only world record holder, Wilson Kipketer (1995, 1997 and 1999) and Billy Konchellah (1987 and 1991) have successfully held on to world title in the men’s two-lap event.
In aiming to be the third man to defend the 800m title, Kirwa, the cheerful runner who committed the last giant killing act in the event two years ago in Osaka is wary of being a victim in Berlin.
"It’s going to be very tricky in Berlin. We have upcoming youngsters and practically everyone who was in shape at the Olympics last year going for my title. I will try my best to keep it," he said at an interview with international journalists who visited his home in Eldoret in May.
Then, he was busy engaged in plotting his title defence in Berlin with his place in World Championships squad already sealed as defending champion.
Kirwa nonetheless competed at the July 25 Kenyan Berlin Trial where Africa titleholder, David Rudisha (1:47.00 against 1:47.48), upset him.
"The World Championship will be as tough as the Trials here and with so many good runners in top form at the moment, I will train to be in my best ever shape to have a chance in Berlin," he said after the race.
Apart from Rudisha and compatriot Jackson Kivuva, World Indoor champion Abubaker Kaki, Olympic silver winner, Ismail Ahmed (both Sudanese), up comer Amine Laalou (Morocco, 1:43.36 PB), former Olympic champion, Yuriy Borzakovskiy, Gary Reed (Canada), Mohammed Al-Salhi (Saudi Arabia) and Nick Symmonds (USA) are among those eyeing to depose Kirwa in Berlin.
"The men’s 800m is becoming the most difficult event to remain on top because of the high number of talented runners at the moment. I’m not thinking about anyone but the pressure is always there when everyone wants to beat you," he explained.
Kirwa’s attempt to be the first ever holder of both Olympics and World titles in 800m fell only two places short in Beijing last year.
"At the Olympics, I was boxed as we came for the finish and I could not switch lanes until it was too late. I want to see whether I can run from the front from the onset and dictate the pace," he disclosed.He used the Trials to experiment front running in departure from his polished tactic of hanging behind the leaders before storming through the outside lane at the finish that bagged him the title in Osaka.
Incidentally, on the day Kirwa opened his home to international press on May 17 his daughter, Ashrine Cheruto turned one.
"Overall, 2008 was a good year for me. My daughter was born and she has made me slow down. At times, I have to be away from my young family when training for competition but it feels great whenever I return home to find Ashrine," he said.
ShareThis