Kiplagat in high spirits

Aug 17, 2009

PERSONAL best times do not necessarily win world medals but good preparation and that is exactly what is up Benjamin Kiplagat’s sleeves when he competes in the World Athletics Championship 3000mSc final today.

Today
Women
1500m (heats, 1.05pm)
100mH (heats, 7.10pm)
400m (finals, 8.35pm)
400mH (s/finals, 9.15pm)
Men
200m (heats, 11.05am)
400m (heats, 12.05pm)
200m (Q/final, 7.55pm)
3000mSC (final, 8.50pm)
400mH (finals, 9.50pm)

By Norman Katende

PERSONAL best times do not necessarily win world medals but good preparation and that is exactly what is up Benjamin Kiplagat’s sleeves when he competes in the World Athletics Championship 3000mSc final today.

With his personal best of eight minutes 12.88 seconds the 10th among those lined up for the final, Kiplagat will pray that he keeps his mental stamina and post a good performance. Finishing among the top eight will see him grab a share on the sh315m prize money on offer.

Kenya has four competitors in the final led by defending world champion Ezekiel Kemboi, three of them Kiplagat has beaten in grand prix races.

The Kenyan foursome, Bahrain’s Tareq Taher and Morocco’s Jamel Chatbi go into the race as favourites an opportunity Kiplagat should grab from his oblivious position to grab the headlines.

“One thing for sure is that I have been able to run with them. They are good but I have also improved a lot. I will not give in easily,” Kiplagat told journalists after Sunday’s heats.

Kiplagat has been advised to aim at taking the lead and hang on there with the front runners if he is to make an impact.

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