Former world Under 18 1,500m champion Kumari Taki has spent the past year defying those who doubted him, validating and then surpassing performances that were once a surprise to him. 

Taki now eyes even better performance in the World Athletics Championships at the Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. 

“It has been a roller coaster of a year for me,” Taki said. 

“Twelve months ago, I was in a very bad place. Through the grace of God, I have been able to overcome it all, now I plan to return to the World championships ready to face and take on the world,” noted Taki. 

It has not been easy for Taki, he had to shake off a tendon injury that denied him a place in team Kenya for the delayed 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. 

Taki who was part of the 2019 World Championships team in Doha, Qatar said he wants to make a huge statement at the biennial e event. 

“I know what it has taken me to be here today. I will do everything possible to make the moment memorable,” added Taki who is also the 2015 World U18 gold medallist in Cali, Colombia and a seventh-place finisher at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.