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The youngster’s main focus at the moment is qualifying for the World Championships in Budapest.
World Cross-country junior champion Ishmael Kipkurui contends that balancing between school and the track is not a walk in the park.
He noted that his passion in running is what drives him to keep going. Being a form three student, Kipkurui disclosed that he wakes up at 4:00 a.m. to go training with a torch and he has to manage his time well considering he needs to be in school at 6:00 a.m.
“It is not easy but we have to manage,” he said.
Coming up as the latest kid on the block, the youngster is proving to be unbeatable after his exploits at the World Cross-country championships in Bathurst, Australia, where he shocked the masses as he obliterated a tough field to win the junior title.
Kipkurui revealed that in his wildest thought, he never thought he would be called a world champion.
He maintained the hot streak a few days later, February 23, when he destroyed a fine field to win the 3000m race in 7:41.38 at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne.
Kipkurui revealed the secret behind his unwavering success as maintaining consistency in training. “With this, you will automatically believe in yourself,” he added.
However, the 18-year-old did not start on a high note as many may assume. He made his Team Kenya debut at last year’s Africa Senior Athletics Championships where he placed sixth in 13:49.13 due to an injury he had acquired.
The youngster’s main focus at the moment is qualifying for the World Championships in Budapest and he is aware of the tough competition that awaits him.
“I want to compete in the trials for the World Championships. I am aware that Jacob Krop, Nicholas Kimeli and Daniel Simiu have already qualified but that does not shake me. The head coach encouraged me and I believe I will manage,” he said.
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Speaking about the Paris Olympics next year, Kipkirui noted that he wants to take a day at a time and maintained that his focus at the moment is strictly on Budapest.
Kipkurui also confessed his undying love for athletics. “I really don’t have any other hobby…running is in my blood. I never these football games…I love watching people running,” he said.
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12:08 - 18.02.2023
ATHLETICS Beatrice Chebet crowned World Cross Country Champion in Bathurst
Kenya's Beatrice Chebet won her first senior Cross Country title, defeating a strong field at the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst.
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