Kibiwott Kandie out to reclaim Kenya's lost glory in 10000m

ATHLETICS Kibiwott Kandie out to reclaim Kenya's lost glory in 10000m

Abigael Wafula 09:19 - 30.06.2023

The last time a Kenyan won the men’s 10000m race at the global event was during the 2001 World Championships.

Former World Half Marathon record holder Kibiwott Kandie is hoping to reclaim Kenya’s glory at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary scheduled for August 19 to 27.

Kenya has recently been playing second fiddle to Ethiopians and Ugandans in the 25-lap race and Kandie wants to be the man to bring the lost glory back.

The last time a Kenyan won the men’s 10,000m race at the global event was during the 2001 World Championships in Edmonton where Charles Kimathi ran away with the top honours.

A podium finish for a Kenyan in the distance was during last year’s World Championships in Eugene, Oregon where Stanley Waithaka finished second.

“My goal is to go to the World Championships and bring a medal back home…if I won’t be ready, there will be no need of going. It has been quite difficult for Kenyans to make it to the podium at the event and we tend to struggle a lot.

"I want to work hard…there are no other people who will raise the country’s flag high if not us. We need to embrace teamwork so we can be able to work smart and even afford a Kenyan 1-2-3 clean sweep,” he said.

He added that if Kenya cannot dazzle in this year’s World Championships, then it will be very difficult to shine in the upcoming events.

The reigning Valencia Half Marathon champion also noted that his body is responding well and he is upbeat about a strong performance in the upcoming events including the National Trials scheduled for next weekend.

“I am preparing well for the upcoming trials and my body is doing well at the moment…I am happy. If it’s not this year, then there is no other year Kenya will do well in the race…we have to work extra hard and set the pace,” he said.