United States-based Moitalel Mpoke says he is not about to slow down in his pursuit of excellence.

The 21-year-old targets to run sub 48 or 47 seconds so that he can attain the national record range.

He said he wants to emulate Boniface Mucheru who holds the national record of 47.78 secs set during the final of the 400m hurdles at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games where he settled for silver.

The Texas-based runner is also getting motivation from the late Nicholas Bett who got a historic victory in the same event at the 2015 World Championships.  “Those are moments that motivate me even as I focus myself on the mission ahead. The athletes have proved it can be done. I want to reach that height and hopefully go further.

“I know it is a tall order but quite achievable if I keep on prodding and being consistent,” said Mpoke who is soon to graduate with a degree in Sports Science from Texas A&M University.

Silver medalist

The 2017 World Under-18 400m hurdles silver medallist has been in the country since Friday when he arrived for the World Athletics Championships and Commonwealth Games trials at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.