Kigen: Steeplechase still a Kenyan affair
African Games 3,000m steeplechase champion Benjamin Kigen says Kenya’s dominance in the water and hurdles event is intact going to Tokyo Games nex month.
There is growing concern that the country’s dominance is under threat from neighbours Ethiopia who were close to clinching a gold medal at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, but Kigen says Kenya is still the country to beat in Tokyo.
Kenya has been a force to reckon in the water and barrier race at the Summer Games for the last three decades having captured successive gold medals in the men’s race since 1984 Games in Los Angeles all the way to the last edition in Rio, Brazil.
“I know they (Ethiopians) are coming up very well but we are also strong enough. However, we can’t just sit there comfortably, we have to fight to retain our dominance,” said Kigen.
The athlete is at the moment focusing on making the cut in Kenya’s team for Tokyo Olympics.
Kigen, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, said he is stepping up his preparations for the Olympics trials that will be held in a fortnight.
Having won the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Championships last month in 8:31.96, before placing second at the Olympic pre-trials last weekend after timing 8:26.93, he believes he is almost hitting top form.
“Right now I am focusing firmly on the Olympic trials. I am slowly regaining my shape after suffering a hamstring injury on my right leg,” said the 27-year-old.
The experienced athlete expects a bruising battle at the trials with only three slots up for grabs with the likes of Olympic champion Conseslus Kipruto, World Under-20 silver medallist Leonard Bett, 2019 World Championships finalist Abraham Kibiwott among a host of other athletes salivating for the slots.
“In the previous events I have not competed at my best level. However, for the remaining time I will be embarking on speed work and I expect to do well at the trials,” he said.
Kenya is set to select her team for the Olympics in track and field at the national trials set for June 17-19 at the Kasarani.
