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Sprinter Elikanah Kiprotich is getting a lot of inspiration from World 400m record holder, South African Wayde van Niekerk.

The Mogonga High student is one of the 44 athletes that will represent the country during the World Under-20 Athletics Championship due next month in Nairobi.

He predicts that the junior event will put him in contention for greatness if he is to one day follow in the footsteps of his South African role model.

During the junior World event’s national trials held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, he sprinted to a 47.22 victory in the 400m race, comfortably beating the qualification standard set at 47.35 to secure his slot at the global stage by merit.

“Getting qualification by merit is what I wanted. By just topping the event I knew I would get the slot but that is not how I wanted to qualify,” Kiprotich told People Sport.

He added: “Having gauged myself, I know I can run faster and better. In camp where we are currently, the coaches are polishing me with endurance because I have noticed I tend to relax on my final 100m of my races.

If I perfect that then Kenyans should expect something special.”

For Kiprotich, making it to the podium during the showpiece set for August 17-22 at the Kasarani Stadium is his underlining push.

The 18-year-old started out as a 100m and 200m runner while still in primary school, something he continued when he joined high school at Tugen Estate.

He would later transfer to Mogonga high school, an institution synonymous to athletics and Volleyball greatness in Nyanza region.

“ I thought I had a chance in 200m had I gotten the right opportunity. I was forced to compete alone in the final having missed the main final.

I think had I raced with the rest, maybe I stood a better chance,” he disclosed.

Kiprotich had missed the final as he was held up at the anti-doping Station and his appeal to race was successful.

He clocked 22.34 to miss the qualifying time set at 21.38 and finished fourth in the 200m ranking.

“I am not complaining but I just hope those unfortunate moments will not happen during the main event next month,” concluded the athlete currently in residential camp in Nairobi.