Cali2022: Kiptum looking to defend Kenya's 800m

Brian Kiptum has trained with the World Under-20 bronze medalist, Noah Kibet and as he prepares for the junior championship in Cali, Colombia, the youngster has his head in the right place. 

Having a world beater for a training-mate, as Kibet has been unstoppable since bagging bronze at Kasarani when Kenya hosted the previous Under-20 event, has motivated Kiptum to follow in those footsteps. 

During the trials held at Nyayo Stadium, Kiptum was a cut above the rest, having trained with the senior athletes who were preparing for the World Championships cum Commonwealth Games trials. 

"I was well prepared for this race. I came into the competition off of an unsuccessful attempt to be included in the senior trials but anti-doping requirements kept me out. In order to better my time, I made sure to join the seniors in their time trials and that has helped me to book my ticket to Colombia," said the Form three student at Anderson High School. 

Last year, Emmanuel Wanyonyi was the star act in the distance, introducing himself to the world with a bang as he broke the Under-20 record while winning the race. 

Kiptum, who will team up with Kibet in the race says he will be looking to replicate last year's performance and defend Kenya's gold. 

"I tried out last year for the junior championship and I finished third behind Kibet and Wanyonyi. Now that I have ticket, my target is a top two finish. I am lucky to have someone like Kibet, who is my brother, to train and compete with. We have a fully equipped training camp that has given me the best preparation for this event and I am confident of a good show," added Kiptum. 

Kibet, who was not part of the trials was included in the list by a panel of selectors. Prior to the trials, Athletics Kenya (AK) had said it was mandatory for every athlete that would eventually make Team Kenya yo participate in the trials. 

Kibet had, however, competed at the senior trials days before the junior event and was exemted from the said rule. Wanyonyi who is still eligible to defend his title has qualified for the Senior World Championships and is not expected to be in Cali.