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Former  world 800m indoor winner Collins Kipruto is in high spirits ahead of the Olympics pre- trials set for the Nyayo Stadium May 27-29.

 Athletics Kenya turned the trials for the Africa Senior Athletics Championships to act as Tokyo Games pre-trials, something that has excited Kipruto.

 The decision by AK was necessitated by the postponement, yet again, of the continental meet that had been planned for June 24-28 in Algiers, Algeria.

The event, initially slated for June 1-5, was called off due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

 “I had a feel of the Nyayo National Stadium the whole of last week helping me prepare well for the pre-trials which may be a stepping stone to the main trials next month,” shared Kipruto.

 With fewer races available, Kipruto says it is important to participate in available ones to stay in shape.

 “We are all fighting for the same thing, qualifying for Tokyo. For my case I want to do all that I can to make the team,” added the Nyahururu-based Kenya Wildlife Service officer.

 With world bronze medallist over the distance Ferguson Rotich already in Doha for the second leg of the Diamond League, Kipruto says stiff challenge is expected from Commonwealth Champion Wycliffe Kinyamal, Jonathan Kitilit, Nicholas Kiplang’at, Kipng’etich Ng’eno and former world U20 champion Solomon Lekuta, among others.

 “My target is to run 1:45 for the season which is also the Olympics qualification time,” said the 27-year-old.

 Meanwhile, the AK director for competitions Paul Mutwii says with limited time for regions and institutions to stage their events, it is important for athletes to take the pre-trials seriously.

He said the event will set the stage for the Olympics trials on June 17 to 19 at the Kasarani Stadium.