Kipsang expects podium finish at Tokyo’s 1,500m race
Abel Kipsang is holding the Kenyan 1,500m trio in high esteem ahead of leaving for Tokyo today.
Kipsang will be representing the country in the event alongside Charles Simotwo and world champion Timothy Cheruiyot.
Speaking to People Daily yesterday, from the Stadion Hotel in Kasarani where he has been in a residential camp, the Mt Elgon native, oozed confidence ahead of the Games.
“We have a much stronger team than many can acknowledge. The team is formidable and capable of producing good results,” said Kipsang third during the Kenyan trials last month.
Personally, the athlete who grew up in a family of eight and said life was not as rosy because of the economic challenges afflicting them, he is determined to make is better.
“My life itself ga been a journey. All I gave been able to achieve, I credit it to God.
Life was not as easy when we were growing up and this is what inspires me in every competition in which I participate.
I want the best for my family. When I go to Tokyo, I want to give my best to be among the best,”he said.
He has spent majority of his time in Kapcherop training camp in Elgeyo Marakwet county, sharpening himself in readiness for the quadrennial event.
The middle-distance runner is upbeat his diligence in training will bear fruit when he lines up against other competitors in Tokyo.
“So far so good for me in training. I know the competition there will be tough but am only focused on applying what I have learnt in training and not what other competitors can or cannot do.
I believe in myself and in hard work as the only way to succeed, which is what I have been doing,” he said.
Last month, he set a personal best of 3:32.6 as he won the men’s 1500m in Marseille, France.
In his first ever Olympics appearance, Kipsang will have to do without fans after a decision to hold the games behind closed doors.
