Gutted Kamworor drops out of Olympics Games due to ankle injury
By Amos Abuga, July 24, 2021Former world 10,000m silver medallist Geoffrey Kamworor is gutted after confirming that he will not be part of the Tokyo Olympic Games due to an ankle injury sustained this week.
The announcement came on the eve of the event’s opening ceremony on Friday.
The former half marathon world record holder had been involved in a freaky road accident last year after he was hit by a motorcycle while training in Eldoret, sustaining career threatening injuries through knocks on his head and ankle.
“I am gutted to say the least,” Kamworor told People Sport.
The former two-time world cross country winner had resumed full fitness storming to victory at the national trials last month at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The development comes as a massive blow for the athlete who was eyeing his maiden Olympic medal.
“An Olympic medal is something I have been working and focusing my energy towards.
The trials was testimony that I was ready for the games. I ran 27:01.06, nobody has ever run faster at altitude,” added Kamworor, a three-time world half marathon champion.
He was set to team up with Rodgers Kwemoi and Weldon Kipkirui in the 25-lap race at the Tokyo Games.
With entries having already been entered, it is unlikely Kenya will be allowed to submit a replacement for the finals set for July 30.
Kenya has not won an Olympic gold in the men’s 10,000m since 1968 Games when the late Naftali Temu became the first Kenyan to bag the coveted medal.