Meet South Sudan's youngster keen on following Eliud Kipchoge's footsteps

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ATHLETICS Meet South Sudan's youngster keen on following Eliud Kipchoge's footsteps

Abigael Wafula 17:08 - 05.05.2023

So far, things are looking up for him as he is the national record holder of his country over the 200m and 400m.

Semi Thiel of South Sudan has revealed he draws his inspiration from World Marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge and is keen on following in his footsteps.

The 20-year-old, who trains at the Ndura Sports Complex in Kitale opened up on how he used to watch Kipchoge and loved the way he would convincingly win his marathons. 

“I used to watch him a lot growing up and I loved the way he would defeat his opponents. I used to tell myself that one day I will be like him,” he told Nation Sport.

So far, things are looking up for him as he is the South Sudan national record holder over 200m (21.78) and 400m (47.67).

His ambitions still stand as he is keen on becoming the world record holder over the two distances. The 400m world record currently stands at 43.03 and was set by South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk during the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The 200m world record is held by Jamaica’s Usain Bolt and it currently stands at 19.19. Bolt set that time on his way to clinch victory at the 2009 World Championships.

Thiel is also burning the midnight oil to ensure he makes the cut to the World Championships in Budapest and the Paris Olympics in 2024.

“I also want to compete at the African Games…that’s what I’m preparing for now. I feel like I am ready,” he added.

He also revealed that his coach and training mates have been a great pillar in his steady rise towards stardom.

“My training mates are good athletes. The coach also takes care of us well and I will do what it takes to get on the global stage,” he said.

The sprinter added that coming to Kenya has enabled him to train effectively unlike training back on home soil. As compared to back then, he said he has improved immensely and he is looking forward to becoming even much better.

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