Conseslus Kipruto feels his comeback journey to fitness is on the right track despite failing to defend his steeplechase World title at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA.

The defending champion settled for bronze as Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkali brought an end to Kenya’s 15-year dominance of the steeplechase at the world championships.

Kenyan runners have won gold in the event in every edition of the championships since Brimin Kipruto’s gold in Osaka in 2007.

“I wanted to win gold for Kenya because I know first hand what this event in particular means to the country, to our heritage and to myself,” said Kipruto.

“I tried to push but today was not my day, I was on the right track in the first six laps, but struggled after that and all I can say is that I live to fight another day,” he added.

Kipruto who was gunning for a third consecutive world title knew he had to return to his best following a prolonged period of injury layoff.

“It might be bronze but this is my best result in such a long time,” continued the 27-year-old, who has not won a competitive race since 2019 when he clinched gold in Doha. Recently he revealed he has had mental struggles, during his time off the track.A combination of nagging injuries and off-field issues led to a dip in form for the decorated athlete.

Yesterday, El Bakkali who beat the Kenyans to the Olympic title last year, made it successive major championship victories as he glided to gold in a time of 8:25.13.