Olympics: Eyes on Jackson Kiprop

Aug 01, 2016

Jackson Kiprop did most of the pace setting on the Moscow streets before Kiprotich surged to victory.

He is better known for helping Stephen Kiprotich win the 2013 World Championship marathon gold medal.

Jackson Kiprop did most of the pace setting on the Moscow streets before Kiprotich surged to victory.

Kiprop eventually finished tenth. Not many Ugandans seemed to know that a few months earlier he had made a big marathon statement.

This was at the Mumbai marathon where the Uganda Prisons Officer emerged winner in a course record. He clocked 2:09.32, almost two minutes faster than his Moscow time.

In three weeks' time he will be teaming up with Solomon Mutai and Stephen Kiprotich in the Rio Olympics.

The trio has all the markings of being one of Uganda's strongest marathon entries ever.

While many rate Kiprotich as Uganda's best bet for a medal, Kiprop and Mutai also bring special strengths.

Kiprop is experienced Kiprop in 2013 finished seventh at the New York marathon.

This was five places ahead Kiprotich.

"He is an experienced runner that can easily do very well in Brazil," stated Coach Benjamin Longiros.

Many believe that this well-built runner is yet to also fully exploit his potential.

"He has the power and stamina to outlast any kind of opposition. He only needs to get more focused and the world will be at his feet," noted one coach.

Should he seriously look beyond pace setting in Brazil, then Uganda's opponents could have very serious work on their hands.

The third Ugandan Mutai is also a man with big dreams.

He has not hidden his intentions of going for the big prize.

Kiprop's form was however interrupted in 2014 with illness.

He was admitted at Mulago for days.

He eventually made the Beijing World Championship cut and eventually finished an impressive tenth.

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