Youngster Tipapa following in David Rudisha’s steps to achieve success
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 14.05.24. | 10:50
He attends St. Francis High School in Kimuron, which is the same school his mentor Rudisha attended.
15-year-old Benson Tipapa from Kilgoris, Narok County, is following in the footsteps of 800m Olympic medalist David Rudisha to achieve greatness in his running career.
The youngster, whose life mostly revolved around the cattle he used to herd while growing up, is keen not only on following the Maasai tribesman tradition and leading his life as a warrior in the pastureland but also on leaving a legacy on the track.
It was that quest for glory that saw him leave home to study and train in Iten, the home of champions. He attends St. Francis High School in Kimuron, which is the same school his mentor Rudisha attended.
His dream to conquer the world almost came true during the International Schools Federation (ISF) world cross-country championships held on Sunday, the 12th, at the Ngong Racecourse, but he came in second after completing the course in 10:22:5.
He was only three seconds slower than Peter Lomurton, who won in 10:18:6. He competed in the under-15 category.
In an exclusive with Mozzart Sport, the young athlete was happy with his performance, although he noted that he aimed to win the race.
“The race was fine. I trained well before the race, but I expected to be in position one,” he offered.
Juggling the demands of running and academics can be challenging, but Tipapa does it with determination. He trains at his school.
“I attend classes normally and train in the evening at 4 pm before going for evening preps,” he offered.
He started running at only seven years old while at Enkipai Primary School in Narok.
Meanwhile, his opponent, Lomurton, noted that he expected to pull off a classic show but did not anticipate the first position. He trains at the Sinonin camp in Baringo under coach Barnabas Kitiliki.
Lomurton started off his year on a high, defying all odds to win the 2024 Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour Gold.
“I thank God every day, and I am always disciplined at the camp. My role model is Eliud Kipchoge because he is disciplined and has won lots of gold medals in his career,” he averred.
“I want to thank my coach for training me well. He always motivates me and warns me against drugs and substance abuse,” he concluded.
Dan Kibet sealed the all-Kenyan podium after running in 10:33:5. Kibet trains in Mt. Elgon, Bungoma County, and is under the tutelage of Maxwell Oyoo.
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