Robert Kiprop reveals next goal after Iten Cross-Country win

After clinching victory in the third leg of Athletics Kenya's (AK) Cross-Country series in Iten on Saturday, Robert Kiprop has set his sights on the 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships.

The 27-year-old finished with an impressive time of 30:38.7, defeating runner-up Asbel Kiprono, who clocked 30:47.7 and Vincent Kiptoo, who finished third in 31:20.4.

Kiprop credited his success to both his physical readiness and his unwavering confidence.

"I am an athlete who believes in himself and is always highly motivated. I was determined to win today and always believed I could do it," Kiprop said via AK.

Kiprop revealed that his strategic approach to the race was key to his victory.

"When I saw that my closest competitor was falling off with 1.5km to go, I knew I had to take that chance and take the lead. All along, I had maintained my pace and stuck to my tactics because I knew I would strike at the most appropriate moment."

The Iten Cross-Country winner was pushed all the way by Asbel Kiprop resulting in a sprint finish that saw him brush off the competition to claim victory.

While the Iten triumph was a significant achievement, Kiprop remains focused on the long road ahead.

"From here, there is a race that I am supposed to compete in abroad and then return," he shared.

His ultimate goal is Tokyo 2025, a challenge he approaches with patience and commitment.

"I just want to take it one step at a time, maintaining discipline because that is very crucial if you are to achieve your goals as an athlete."