Running News Daily

Kimutai wants to emulate Wanyonyi ahead of Budapest

Fast-rising Kelvin Koech Kimutai is looking to emulate former world under-20 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi in the two-lap race. Kimutai, who also won the East Africa 800m title, has set his focus to represent Kenya at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest Hungary, in August.

To realize his dream, Kimutai is hoping to finish on the podium when he lines up at the national athletics championships next week at the Nyayo Stadium in search of the qualifying time for Budapest.

Last Saturday, he finished second in both the 400m and 800m during the AK Central Rift Championships at the Kipchoge Keino stadium in Eldoret. “I managed to double in the 400m and 800m finishing second but I want to run well and be in position one at the national championships next week,” he noted.

The 17-year-old says he wants to run well so that he can qualify for world championships come August. He said he is motivated by the consistency he has displayed in his past assignments.

“I won my first medal at East Africa Championships in Tanzania and went on to win in Lusaka during Africa U-18/20 Championships. These wins have motivated me to look for more accolades,” said Kimutai.

Koech is a Form Four student at the Kosirai Secondary School in Nandi County. Wanyonyi, who has now won two back-to-back Diamond League series titles—Rabat and Paris—also attended the same school.

“My dream is to keep winning on the international stage and fly the country’s flag high. Wanyonyi, who is my role model and a former schoolmate inspires me with his performance,” he revealed.