Forget Oregon, I will be on podium in UK: Kinyamal
Commonwealth Games 800m champion Wycliffe Kinyamal is keen to make amends during this year’s edition after failing to medal in the just concluded World Championships in Oregon.
Kinyamal clocked 1:47.07 to place in a poor eighth in a race that was won by countrymen Emmanuel Korir in 1:43.71. Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati bagged silver in 1:44.14 as Canada’s Marco Stop settled for bronze in 1:44.28.
Kinyamal said that as much as he was keen to end up on the podium, his body just shut down after the first lap.
“I was in good shape during the heats and the semi-finals and things didn’t seem to add up in the final. I am lucky to have finished the race,” said Kinyamal who will be joined by World Under 20 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Cornelius Tuwei at Birmingham Games.
He said the world event is now water under the bridge and his focus now turns to the Club Games where he hopes to defend his title.
On his part, Wanyonyi is ecstatic after placing the fourth position in the two-lap race in 1:44.54 in Oregon.
“I am very happy to have reached the finals and finished fourth. This is my first time competing with the seniors at the World Championships and I am contented with my results. I am also happy for Korir because of his achievement,” an elated Wanyonyi said.
Lack of experience
Wanyonyi cited lack of experience as his main undoing but promised to work on his weaknesses as he seeks to make the podium in Birmingham.
“Inexperience was my main problem but I hope to use my lessons in Oregon to deliver in Birmingham. I am on the right track and when my time comes to shine, I will not struggle,” he added.
Meanwhile, African Games silver medalist Cornelius ‘Generali’ Tuwei is eyeing an improved performance in his second appearance at the Commonwealth Games.
Tuwei who made his debut at the 2018 Gold Coast extravaganza said he went to the Birmingham Games with a lot of optimism where he hopes to win a medal.
“I am well equipped for the Games,” said Tuwei.
“I had a good time in training at Kasarani ever since the team was named, so it’s about time to implement the gains on the track,” said Tuwei.
In Gold Coast, he failed to advance past the semis citing illness.
“I want to push harder, my bare minimum is a medal,” said the 29-year-old who has a lifetime best of 1:43.76.
800m preliminary race is set for Wednesday August 3rd.
