Kamworor wins police title, announces he will skip Africa Cross country
Two-time World Cross Country Champion Geoffrey Kamworor will not be running at the Africa Cross country championships in Togo on March 1.
The reigning world half marathon record holder says his priority is an Olympic medal thus the decision to give the continental Championships a wide berth.
Speaking after winning his record seventh title at the Kenya Police Service Cross Country Championship at the Ngong Race Course on Saturday, Kamworor said he was optimistic that he would finally bag an Olympic medal, which is the only prize missing in his rich collection of accolades.
“I think this is the year that my dream for an Olympic medal will be achieved,” Kamworor said with confidence.
“ I am working hard towards getting my goals, I know what I have to do in my training and during races,” added Kamworor, who will now lead team Police to the National Championships cum Trials for Africa Cross on February 8 in Nairobi.
On Saturday he carried the day, crossing the finish line in a time of 30:04.3 ahead of second and third -placed Josphat Bout and Hosea Kimosop in 30:04.9 and 3:25.6 respectively.
“From an athlete’s perspective, winning seven national titles is not easy. It is actually through hard work that I have managed to rule this championships.
Although this year’s competition came much earlier it is key for me because it gives me adequate preparations ahead of the busy season,” said Kamworor.
In the women’s category, defending Champion Margaret Chelimo could only settle for third place in a time of 35:14.0 in a race that won by Kericho-based Jackline Cherotich in a time of 35:00.0 with Stacy Ndiwa placed second in 35:11.6.
“Last year I finished fifth and therefore I came here today to try my best to win and that is why I went for the lead earlier in the race.
After today’s big challenge, I think I am well prepared for the nationals as well and later the Olympic Games,” she stated.
Inspector General (IG) Hillary Mutyambai, the chief guest at the event while cautioned athletes to desist from drugs. He said culpritsmay be removed from Police payroll anyone found cheating after thorough investigation
