Kiprop’s double attack

By Mutwiri Mutuota

Olympics 1,500m silver medallist, Asbel Kiprop, could potentially return home from Berlin as a double world champion after Athletics Kenya (AK) entered him in 1,500m and 800m races.

"I’m ready to go for both. We will finish the 1,500m first and rest before the 800m heats," Kiprop told FeverPitch yesterday.

Confirming Kiprop’s double entry, AK secretary general, David Okeyo, said the decision was taken to maximise Kenya’s medal chances at both events. He also took cognisance of Kiprop’s fine displays at both races.

"It will be interesting if all four Kenyans in the 800m race make the final. Four of the eight starting lanes would have Kenyans and this would make me feel good.

"For now, I cannot say whether I will return home as a double world champion.

"My aim will be to reach the finals of both events then do my best," Kiprop said.

At the Trials last month, Kiprop was due to compete at both races, but his physiotherapist prevailed upon him to step down from the two-lap decider to avoid straining himself since only an hour separated the events.

Over 800m, only Sudanese world indoor champion, Abubaker Kaki Khamis (1:43.09 and 1:43.10 has run faster than Kiprop this season. His personal best of 1:43.17 chalked when finishing second to Kaki in Doha (May 2) is the third fastest of the year.

Kiprop, who scooped bronze in the distance at last year’s Africa Athletics Championships in Addis Ababa, then won the 800m race at Athens Grand Prix (July 13) in 1:43.48, the fifth quickest this season.

He and two-lap winner at the Trials, David Rudisha (1:43.53) are the only Kenyans who have dipped under 1:44 this season. World Champion, Alfred Kirwa and Jackson Kivuva complete the countryÌs 800m quartet for Berlin.