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Former World champion Elijah Manangoi is plotting a comeback with a bang during the national Athletics Kenya (AK) meet this weekend after completing his two year doping ban.

Speaking to People Sport at his training base in Ngong Vapour grounds, the 1500m runner was optimistic of hitting the global stage again.

“I am ready to go and have been training hard for this weekend’s meet at Nyayo stadium. From there I want to see how my results will be and then hit the international stage again because that’s where I belong,” an excited Manangoi said.

The middle-distance runner has been training alone in solitude until when his ban was done after being provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) in July 2020 for missing three out-of-competition drugs tests in 2019 between July and December.

The 2018 Commonwealth gold medalist in Australia has now shifted his training base from Rongai to the high altitude in Ngong.

“It’s been tough being out for this long, but I have learnt my lesson. I want to do my best this weekend and hopefully shift to 5000 metres later after picking up,” said the 30-year-old.

Manangoi is coached by Lawrence Kipruto who confirmed that the former champion is scheduled to participate in indoor championships in Europe, with Visas and air tickets ready though he did not disclose where.

With his absence nationally, his throne has been occupied by long time rival 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot who also might cause some upsets during this weekend’s meet at Nyayo stadium.

Internationally while Manangoi was away, Norwegian Jakob Ingebrigtsen won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and a silver medal at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon USA.

The 22 year old Norwegian also won a gold medal in 5000 metres at the same world championships, an event that Manangoi has expressed desire to compete in later.

With his comeback to the running track this weekend at Nyayo stadium in Nairobi, the athletics air will be filled with mixed emotions for accepting a prodigal son with a tainted image while the country is still battling the doping menace.

The second AK track and field meet is scheduled to take place on Friday and Saturday at Nyayo Stadium, with all athletes required to beat the 23rd February registration deadline.