David GOMBE
Two time World Cross Country Champion Jacob Kiplimo has revealed his main target this year.
Kiplimo successfully defended the World Cross title on Saturday in Belgrade in a time of 28:09.
He joined Kenenisa Bekele, Geoffrey Kamworor and Paul Terget who are the other athletes to win back to back World Cross Country championships.
Following his success on Saturday, Kiplimo now targets Olympic Gold in the men’s 10000m
“It actually feels more exciting to successfully defend my title than to win the first one,” said Kiplimo. “But it was also tougher. I came here expecting I could win again, but the field was really strong. The pace was fast, the guys kept pushing it and there was still a big group out in front. It wasn’t until the final three kilometres that I felt I needed to move to the front.
“The course was fine, a little challenging with the obstacles,” he added. “It was a little tough running in the heat, but that wasn’t a major issue.
“I was hungry for medals after missing Budapest last year. I was in good shape, but then the injury happened and I had to get treatment, but I am back now. My goal this year is to do what Joshua Cheptegei did and win an Olympic gold. My main focus is the 10,000m, but I’m not sure yet if I want to double.” Said Kiplimo
At the Tokyo Olympic Games three years ago, Kiplimo finished third behind Ethiopia’s Selemon Barega and his compatriot Cheptegei over the 10000m race to scoop bronze.
He is the reigning double Commonwealth Champion over the 10000m and 5000m.
Remarkably, 5000m Olympic champion and three time 10000m World champion Cheptegei will also be aiming to finish his glittering career on track with gold over the 10000m at the Paris Games in August.
