World 1,500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot who left the country  yesterday evening for Tokyo says he is undaunted despite huge expectations ahead of his Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games.

Cheruiyot, a late inclusion in Kenya’s team for the Olympics after a shock defeat at the trials where he placed fourth, his first loss in the distance in 10 races over two years, says he is counting on his good form to win gold in Tokyo.

“During the trials I had a back injury and a hamstring injury in my left foot and that really affected my performance but I have since seen my doctor and I am happy since I have fully recovered,” divulged Cheruiyot.

Being a three-time Diamond League winner and a world champion, the spotlight will be on Cheruiyot.

“It is true there are a lot of expectations but it is upon me to control that and just focus on my race. I will consult my coach to have a workable plan in Tokyo,” he said.

The Games will provide yet another platform for the unending rivalry between Cheruiyot and Norwegian Jakob Ingebrigtsen, an athlete the world champion holds in high esteem.

The Norwegian won the 1500m/5000m double at the 2018 European Championships at just 17 with his PB of 3:28.68 being the eighth-fastest of all time.

“I know Jakob is a very strong competitor and at the Olympics it won’t be easy either. It actually needs a good plan to win the final,” shared  Cheruiyot who is set to compete in Tokyo just three weeks after setting a new personal best (PB) over the distance at the Monaco Diamond League some three weeks ago.

Despite the shortcomings during the Kenyan trials, Cheruiyot, 25, was however handed a lifeline in the team when his compatriot Kamar Etyang who was second at the trials was dropped from the team having not fulfilled the anti-doping requirements.

“I accepted the results of the trials. I also want to thank Etyang for understanding because there was  a lot of pressure out there.

When Team Kenya called me,I told them I was not going to join the team unless Etyang had accepted the situation and the rules, I am happy it all went well,” said Cheruiyot.