Know your 2017 IAAF stars: Phillip Kipyeko

In 2015, Phillip Kipyeko won the senior men's race, beating Moses Kipsiro during the National Cross Country Championships in Jinja. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo) 

Phillip Kipyeko has won the World Mountain Running title.

He is also an Africa Cross Country silver medalist besides being a two time national cross country champion.

The World Cross Country however remains one of those events where he is yet to make a mark.

He first featured in the global meet as a junior in 2011 and finished 23. He was thereafter 25 as a senior in the next world meet in Guiyang, China.

Citing his silver in the African championship last year, he believes he has since matured for a much better performance in the world meet.

"Remember that I was eleventh in the same competition in Kampala in 2014. Improving to second is a huge step. I should be able to also do very well next weekend."

He however refuses to commit himself on whether he will get a medal. His confidence is further boosted by the fact that he will be backed by home support.

"It is very good that we are the hosts. There is nothing better than running at home," says Kipyeko.

But he also prays that the world meet marks the beginning of many similar events. "We need to host many more such competitions to boost exposure of Ugandan athletes. That's one way of improving standards."

The home team's thorough knowledge of the Kololo course is also a plus. Ugandan runners got a real feel of the course at the national cross country in January.

Kipyeko's role models are Olympic champions Eliud Kipchoge and Stephen Kiprotich.

"I admire the way Kipchoge upgraded from track to road races. His strong foundation on track is the reason he is among the best marathon runners."

He is also full of praises for Kiprotich.

"He is a true legend. Winning an Olympic gold and then immediately following that with a world championship victory is simply amazing."

He attributes his rise to the national team to discipline. "I train hard and also seriously follow coach Francis Demayi's training programme."

KNOW YOUR 2017 IAAF STARS

Timothy Toroitich

Peruth Chemutai

Stephen Kiprotich

Jacob Kiplimo


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