Benjamin Kigen has broken his silence on a surprise switch to the marathon, revealing what led him back to the steeplechase.
Benjamin Kigen has opened up about his abrupt switch to the marathon and why he opted to go back to his first love, steeplechase, ahead of the Athletics Kenya World Championships trials scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Benjamin Kigen was once Kenya’s beacon of hope in the steeplechase, and his switch to the full marathon earlier this year caught thousands of fans unaware.
However, Kigen has since explained his decision and hinted at a short stay in the steeplechase before returning to marathon running.
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Benjamin Kigen Speaks Out on His Brief Switch to the Marathon
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The former Olympic 3000m steeplechase bronze medallist revealed that he returned to steeplechase after missing a marathon he was supposed to run in April.
Kigen revealed that he went on to work on his speed and decided to show up for the National Championships, just looking to continue pushing his body, but rounded up the podium to his surprise.
He finished an impressive third, clocking 8:39.75 and now his mind has changed, and he will be focusing on representing the country at the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
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“First, I want to thank God for today’s win because I was not expecting to finish on the podium because I had moved to the marathon, but I have now qualified and been invited to the trials and I want to work hard ahead of the trials,” Benjamin Kigen said in an interview.
“I was planning to run the marathon last week, but I had not been entered in that race, so I decided to change my mind and focus on the trials. I have worked on speed work, and I’m ready to make a mark.”
Benjamin Kigen added that since he has a great memory of Tokyo, where he won the bronze medal at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, he will be looking to replicate the same performance.
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He disclosed that at the moment, he knows there is a lot to be done, especially with the presence of young talent, but he intends to work around the clock to make the podium.
“I’m looking forward to making the cut to the World Championships, and at least, because I have history with Tokyo, I hope I will win a medal. I am working with the youngsters, and before the trials, I think there will be a big change,” he added.
“Running has changed a lot, and I want to work hard in training and pray to God because there is no shortcut. Everybody trains, and they are champions.”
Benjamin Kigen’s unexpected return to steeplechase may be brief, but with the World Championships trials approaching and Tokyo holding special memories, he is determined to make it count.