Kipruto looking to bounce back to World stage

Former World Athletics Indoor Tour 800m champion Collins Kipruto is looking to bounce back from his Indoor Championship woes and have another shot at representing the country in upcoming continental and world events. 

Kipruto, a favorite in the 800m race in Belgrade where ten Kenyan athletes did duty at the Indoor Championship, failed to qualify from the heats. He finished fourth to miss out as his compatriot Noah Kibet went on to win one of two medals for Kenya at the event. 

"I was in good shape heading to the Championship but during the race, I stepped on a rough patch on the track and felt some pain and had to slow down. 

Belgrade 2022: Kibet into the 800m finals, Kipruto out

After getting examined, it was found to be an ankle twist which will be fine within a few days. While it was disappointing not to compete for a medal in Belgrade, I am glad ot was not a serious injury. I will give it rest then be back to training ahead of a busy outdoor season," offered Kipruto in a post-race interview. 

The middle-distance runner has his eyes cast on making one of three Kenyan squads set to represent the country in upcoming events. First up is African Championship set tentatively for May, the World Athletics Championships set for 15 to 24 July and Commonwealth Games set for 28 July to 8 August. 

"We have a busy schedule ahead. In addition to the national assignments we also have the Diamond Leagues (DL) and the continental tours and that calls for good planning on which races I am going to compete in. 

For instanve the DL's first leg is set for 13 May while the Kip Keino Classic, a continental tour gold, is set for 7 May. The two being less than a week apart, I have to decide, with my manager, where I compete. After that there will be Birmingham and Eugene legs of the DL which have to be planned for," offered Kipruto. 

The 27-year old, however, acknowledges that the toughest hurdle to making the national team squads will be the Kenyan trials. "We have so much talent, competing in a Kenyan trial requires one to be at the shape of their life," he says.