Kenya’s Nicholas Kimeli is keeping a cool head ahead of the men’s 5,000m final at the Olympics set for 3pm Kenyan time today.

Despite being the only Kenyan in the final, Kimeli who put on a commanding display during the semifinals on Tuesday says the final is like any other race.

Kimeli  who grew up in Kapkitui village, Nandi County, has been reflecting on his debut Olympics where he heads into the final knowing only one other Kenyan has ever won the 12 and a half laps race at the Games.

The second-last born in a family of eight children says that it is unimaginable that Kenya with all the talents has not been won when it matters most.

“I will not be thinking about much during the final, not the history or anything.

I have one race and that is all that matters. I think it will be anyone’s race and I will be happy if I get to the podium,” he shared.

The 22-year-old went to Kekiptir Primary School until Class Six when he moved to Iten to stay with his elder brother Eliud Kimeli.

He says it was while at Iten that he took athletics more seriously.

“I come from a big family, but it was only my elder brother who was into athletics. Moving to Iten did define my career,” added the athlete.

He will be up against the likes of world record holder and Olympic 10,000m silver medalist Joshua Cheptegei and his compatriot Jacob Kiplimo, among other top athletes.

“I have raced with them all. The only difference is this is an Olympic and there are no pacers so the conditions will be the same for us all,” he said.

 Kimeli says he is thankful for the immense support he received from his parents who are farmers.

“My life was not easy, but our parents tried. They showed us the way, instilled discipline and emphasised the importance of good character.

Those are the virtues that keep guiding me as I progress in my career.”