I want to be the next big name in steeplechase, says rising star Koech

Amos Abuga @Amokc1001

Simon Koech is adamant he will be the next big star to emerge during the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in August in Nairobi.

Koech says his immediate task is to recapture the steeplechase title Kenya relinquished during the 2018 championships in Tampere, Finland.

Coming at the time the country’s threat at the global stage both at  Olympics and World Championships in the water and hurdles event is under threat, Koech wants to “restore order”.

“I know what the event means to Kenya over the years, it also means I know what is at stake both at the Olympics and under-20 championships. We have to show the fighting spirit exhibited by those before us,” said Koech.

Koech’s performance was one of the thrilling encounters witnessed in an almost empty  Kasarani Stadium on the final day of the national trials on Saturday.

Representing South Rift, Koech clocked  8:18.43 to win the men’s race, beating Amos Serem of Central Rift to second place in 8:20.26.

 “I am going for nothing but gold so as to emulate my training mate Leonard Bett and the likes of Ezekiel Kemboi and Conseslus Kipruto,” he revealed.

Koech, who hails from Bureti, Kericho County, but  trains in Silibwet, Bomet County added: “I am really impressed and I thank God since I have been waiting for this opportunity since last year.”

Koech who admitted to have dropped out of school says running is his only route to success.

“To be honest, there is nothing much between me and education. It is not my thing. I want to put more focus to succeed on my God-given talents,” he offered.