Ishmail Kipkurui promises greater exploits after making cut to World U20 Championships
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 01.07.24. | 12:03
The 19-year-old is looking to clinch gold at the upcoming World U20 Championships in August.
Reigning Chepsaita Cross Country champion Ishmail Kipkurui is not afraid to dream after sealing a ticket to Peru, Lima for the World U20 Championships slated for August 27-30.
Kipkurui won the men’s 5000m race in 13:42:71 to achieve the qualifying time of 14:08 during the World U20 national trials at the Nyayo Stadium.
The 19-year-old was coming off a disappointing seventh place finish during the Paris Olympics qualifiers where he failed to hit the qualifying time at the same venue. He crossed the line in 13:34:79.
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He noted that a nagging injury was the reason for his poor show a fortnight ago in the Paris Olympics qualifiers.
“I want to thank God because He has enabled me to get into the team. I had an injury during the national trials for the Olympics and so I couldn’t perform well but now the pain has subsided. I am grateful,” he said.
Despite feeling underprepared, the youngster was thrilled to clinch the top position during the World U20 national trials.
The young talent commenced the year with a fourth-place finish at the International Cross Country event in Spain on January 7 where he clocked 30:43. The result saw him finish behind Ethiopia's Berihu Aregawi (30:34), Burundi's Rodrigue Kwizera (30:39) and Morocco's Soufiane Bakkali (30:41) who sealed the podium.
He attributed his impressive performance at the World U20 national trials from the experience gained from the cross country event.
"Taking part in the international cross-country event in January has also helped me a lot. It has given me the edge," he offered.
With his name officially in the travelling party, Kipkurui aims to bring home a gold medal. He also plans to improve on his weak areas and capitalize on his strengths to make his country proud.
"In Peru, I expect to clinch a gold medal in my race. I am confident I can make it," he stated.
The World U20 Cross Country champion further aims at transitioning to the senior team after the global showpiece.
"After the World U20, I will be moving to the seniors. It is a tough category and I have to undertake intense training to keep up with the rest," he stated.
It will be Kipkurui’s fourth international competition in Team Kenya singlet following two appearances at the World Cross Country Championships in Australia and Serbia (2023 and 2024), Africa Athletics Senior Championships in Mauritius (2022) and the World Championships in Budapest (2023).
Full team to Lima, Peru
Women: Sarah Moraa, Janet Jepkemoi (800m), Sheila Jebet, Miriam Kibet (1500m), Mercy Chepkemboi, Marion Jepngetich (3,000m), Mercy Chepkemoi and Sheila Jebet (5,000m); Diana Chepkemoi, Judy Chepkoech (3,000m steeplechase).
Men: Kelvin Koech, Phanuel Kipkosgei (800m); Collins Koech, Josephat Kipkurui (1500m); Clinton Ngetich, Dennis Kemboi (3,000m), Edmund Serem, Mathew Kosgei (3,000m steeplechase); Ishmael Kipkurui, Andrew Alamisi (5,000m) and Stephen Ndangiri (10,000m walk race).
