World 1500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot has prioritized retaining his title in the upcoming World Championships and winning a record fifth Diamond League as top of his plans this year.
Cheruiyot won the gold medal in 1500 m at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, and a silver medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in the same event.
He also won the Diamond League in 2021.
Speaking to Uasin Gishu News, the 26-year-old athlete notes that he has already started preparations for the year.
He last weekend participated in the National Cross Country Championships – not to win but as part of his practice.
“I did not feel ready to be in the race but my coach told me not to push myself so much, but to look at it as training,” said Timothy Cheruiyot.
The National Cross County Championships held at Lobo Village in Kapseret, Uasin Gishu County were used to select a team that will represent Kenya for the African Cross County Championships later this year.
Also Read: All Set for Discovery Kenya Cross Country Championships in Eldoret
For the world champion, he is focusing on making it to team Kenya to the World Athletics Championships.
It is worth mentioning that he almost missed out on representing the country to the Tokyo Olympics after finishing fourth in the National Trials before he was later included – although the decision stirred controversies.
He would later justify his inclusion after winning the Silver medal.
“This year, I want to work hard to be in team Kenya for the world championships and also win the fifth diamond league series,” said Timothy Cheruiyot.
Aside from the 2021 Diamond League title, he had previously won for three consecutive years in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
2021 can be said to have been generally a successful year for Timothy Cheruiyot, but he admits it had its own challenges.
“I had issues…back injury and my hamstring was tight but I thank God I won silver in Olympics and the Diamond League,” he said.
Timothy Cheruiyot Future plans
For now, the reigning world champion is focusing on improving his endurance and speed, even as he looks forward to starting off his defense for the Diamond League title.
But he is challenging the government to invest in building more stadia, and ensure they are well equipped to help them in training.
“The stadia need to be well equipped with gyms and other modern training facilities for us,” he said.
About his future, Timothy Cheruiyot says, “For now, I’m still maintaining 1500m then in future ill graduate to 5,000m and 10,000m.”