by Amos Abuga

@PeopleDailyKe

World Indoor 800m champion Collins Kipruto commenced his quest to defend the title after emerging victorious at the meeting de l’Eure Val De Reuil, a World Athletics Indoor SilverTour held on Monday in France.

Kipruto says he is keen on defending his World Indoor title in Belgrade, Serbia, on March 18-20.

“That is the main honour I am targeting, having competed in the World Indoors and all the other competitions. I know it won’t be easy considering the calibre of opposition on offer, such as Craig Engels of the United States who doubles up in 1500m as well,” said Kipruto.

Attract agents 

The athlete who clocked 1:47:05 for victory is now preparing for the Pas-de-Calais, a World Athletics Indoor Gold Tour meeting, in Lievin on 17 February.

“The competition gets tougher from here going forward because top athletes will be in action,” said Kipruto.

After Lievin, he heads to Birmingham on  February 19, Torun on  February 22 and finally Madrid on March 2.

“I am looking at those results to consolidate my position and be in a place to defend my title,” said the 2019 Palio Citta della Quercia 800m champion whose ultimate aim is a podium place at the World Championship in Oregon, the USA in July. 

Kipruto in the meantime is urging Kenyan athletes to take the ongoing Athletics Kenya weekend meetings seriously, saying they  have a lot to gain by participating in the locally organised competitions.

Kipruto said the two-day events offer athletes the opportunity to polish their skills and take their careers to the next level. 

“To those who are competing in this series for the first time, my advice is to continue participating in more of the same. This is because of the opportunity to attract the eye of potential agents and managers who can help grow their careers to an international level,” Kipruto said. 

The first leg of the series, held on February 4-5 at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi, attracted a record number of athletes keen to kickstart their track and field season on a high. 

“For many of those in attendance, this is their first race of the year and so they may be using it to gauge their level of physical readiness. They want to see whether their efforts in training are paying off or not,” said the athlete under the tutelage of Jacob Lang’at at Nyahururu Athletics Club.

Kipruto was also in action in the men’s 800m, easily sailing to victory in his own heat.  However, the Kenya Wildlife Service officer said the race was more than about the victory for him. 

“I did not want to strain myself too much, especially with the upcoming World Indoor Championships. I haven’t trained much this year. There are some aspects I need to refine before I am at the best level. One of them is speedwork,” Kipruto had said during the first  weekend meeting. 

The second, third and fourth legs of the competition will be held at Kenyatta Stadium (Kisumu) this Friday  before heading to Embu University (Embu) on March 5th. The climax will be at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on March 19.