By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Bathurst World Cross Country under 20 champion Ishmael Rokitto Kipkurui, and Commonwealth Games Youth silver medallist Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi are ready to reclaim the 5,000m title during the World Under 20 Championships slated for 27-31 August.
Kipkurui, a form four candidate at Sinonin Secondary school in Baringo County, is ready for his first Under 20 challenge after missing out in Cali last year due to an injury.
Though the 19-year-old, Kipkurui was not able to defend his World Cross Country title earlier year he is motivated to earn his first international title in Lima, Peru.
“I had planned myself well this year before the World Cross Country trials, but I suffered an injury before the trials, though I still competed and became number six. I got into the team but a week into the camp my injury worsened. I did not give up I went ahead and competed though I was unable to finish and defend my title.” Said Kipkurui.
After World Cross, Kipkurui took time off to nurse his injury. He tried his luck for another chance to represent Kenya at the Paris 2024 Olympics Games, June trials but it was not possible. He was persistent and managed to be among the top two finishers during the U20 trails that were held later in the month.
“This will be the first time I shall be competing in the Under 20, 5000m track event. I have been representing Kenya in the cross country. Track is quite different but if all goes well, I am confident of positive results.” He added.
Kipkurui, discovered his talent while at Sinendet Primary school though he was not serious about it. He got interested in athletics after competing in the school county games and later on proceeding to reginal level.
That is when he was discovered by coach Barnabas Kitilit who natured his talent at Sinonin training camp formerly known as Torongo.
His partner in the 5,000m race Andrew Kiptoo Almisi, was shy while in primary though he knew had the talent. He finally gathered courage to explore his talent after joining form 1 at the St Peters Keberesi secondary school, in Kisii County a school that natures athletes’ talent.
He continued to train at the school though was disrupted by covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Alamisi later on transferred to Sugutek Secondary school where he took athletics seriously and earned is first 3,000m silver medal at the Africa Under 18 championships in Zambia in 2023. In the same year at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago he bagged more silver medals in the 1,500m and 3,000m races.
