Commonwealth Games: Simiu and Kandie grateful for podium place

After a below-par performance at the just-concluded World Athletics Championships, Daniel Simui redeemed himself with silver at the ongoing ‘Club Games’ in Birmingham, his second silver of the year.

The philosophical runner could not outkick the half marathon world record holder, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo but he made sure to put a safe distance between himself and former half marathon world record holder Kibiwott Kandie for silver.

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Kiplimo helped Uganda retain the 25-lap race at the club games aftet coming home the fastest in a new commonwealth games record of 27.09:19, Simiu stopping the clock at 27:11.26 while Kandie ran a personal best time of 27:20.34.

“I tried my best to challenge Kiplimo but I did not have the strength so I chose to take it easy and settle for second. This is a big achievement in my career, adding another silver to my Africa Championships second place.

I dedicate this big win to my coach who has walked this journey with me. I know more is coming and I have a bright future both on track and road,” Simiu offered.

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Meanwhile, Kandie who was representing Kenya on track for the first time, after missing out on the World Championships as he did not attain the qualifying time despite winning the national trials says it is a joy to be on the podium.

“When I was selected for the Games in Birmingham, I promised myself that I would medal no matter what. I expected to have a better race but my body did not respond as well as I expected it to. However, I pushed myself and I am happy to have delivered a medal,” the Kenya Defence Forces’ road racing specialist offered.

Kiplimo, who upgraded his fourth-place finish in 2018 to a massive medal in the absence of defending champion and compatriot Joshua Cheptegei said he had purposed to defend the country’s pride.