'We Are Not Scared' - Daniel Simiu Ebenyo Sends Warning to Rivals Ahead of World Cross Country Championships

Daniel Simiu Ebenyo has issued a clear warning to Jacob Kiplimo, Berihu Aregawi, and the rest of his rivals ahead of the senior men’s race at the World Cross Country Championships scheduled for January 10, 2026, at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Florida.

The former world 10,000m silver medallist is determined to restore Kenya’s dominance in the event, with the nation having last reached the podium in 2017 when Geoffrey Kamworor claimed victory in Kampala, Uganda.

Since then, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo and Joshua Cheptegei have ruled the discipline, but Ebenyo has made it clear he intends to challenge that dominance.

With his own cross-country medal still missing from an otherwise impressive resume, Daniel Simiu Ebenyo is eager to make a strong statement on the world stage at next year’s championships.

Speaking ahead of the global showpiece, Daniel Simiu said the challenge ahead goes beyond facing elite opponents, explaining that the squad will also be driven by a deep sense of national responsibility as they line up at the championships.

He expressed confidence in the preparation phase, noting that the build-up has been thorough and that the athletes had been fully exposed to the demands they are likely to encounter on the course.

Daniel Simiu Ebenyo added that morale within the camp is strong and that everyone understands what is required when representing the country at a global event.

“We shall not only be racing against the best athletes in the world, but we shall also be competing with the spirit of Kenya on our shoulders,” he said.

“We are happy…the training has been great, and we have been shown every obstacle that shall be there. The team is ready to compete with discipline, humility and hard work. We urge all Kenyans to pray for us so we can bring it home.”

Daniel Simiu added that his return to the national setup comes after a period of personal commitment and intense preparation, which has left him feeling motivated and grateful to once again represent the country.

He said the breakaway from the team has made the opportunity even more meaningful and added that his approach this time is more calculated, with an emphasis on making the right decisions both in training and during the race.

According to him, the goal is to finally add a podium finish from cross country to his list of achievements, something he feels has been missing from his career.

Simiu acknowledged that the field will be strong, pointing out that some of the world’s most accomplished distance runners are expected to line up, but stressed that their presence does not intimidate him.

“I have been disciplined and trained hard, and I’m happy to be back in Team Kenya. It has been a while,” Daniel Simiu Ebenyo added

“This time around, I want to work smart and bring a medal back home because I lack a cross-country medal. We know Jacob will be there, Aregawi will also be there, and he is not a walk in the park, but we are not scared and may the best win.”