World 3,000m steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto has vowed to defend his title during next month’s World Championships at Eugene, USA.

Over the weekend during the National World Championships and Commonwealth Games trials he took it easy and instead waved on Amos Serem and his training partner Abraham Kibiwott to the finish line, with a huge smile on his face.

Serem went on to win the race in 8:17.03, Kibiwott second in 8:17.79 while Conseslus came home third in 8:18.2.

“Today, I just let the young guys win. I wanted them to win. Kibiwott is my training partner and my friend and so I am happy that he has qualified also Serem is a young guy and very talented. I just wanted to finish in the top three and show everyone that I am back,” said Kipruto.

“I feel okay and my body is in great shape. Today, I would have won if I wanted to because I feel very okay. But it was a day for the young guys,” he said.

World title

Kipruto who will be gunning for a third consecutive world title knows he will have to return to his best following a prolonged period of injury layoff, and if the last one month is anything to go by then, the Kipruto of old is back.

The Rio Olympics gold medalist is among some four steeplechasers who have been under a strict residential training regime for over a month at the Nyayo Stadium under the watchful eye of national athletics head coach Julius Kirwa.

“We are doing everything we can to defend the steeplechase title in Oregon. That is why the executive at AK decided to have the athletes in camp for a while and as a coach I see it is paying off,” said Kirwa.

“Here the biggest component is discipline, for one to succeed high levels of discipline must be exhibited at all times. I’m happy the athletes are responding well in all aspects,” added Kirwa.

A combination of nagging injuries and off-field issues led to a dip in form for the decorated athlete. 

However, Kipruto who recently competed in a number of races including Rabat and Rome Diamond League, the national championships and Kip Keino Classic, said he is working his way back to fitness, in time for the championships due on July 15-24.