KIPROP TARGETS FIFTH DREAM MILE WIN

Triple world champion, 2008 Olympic champion and current world lead in the 1500m and mile, Asbel Kiprop (KEN) is in good form producing one of the performances of the day at the Birmingham Diamond League last Sunday claiming the 1500m meeting record and also revising his own world lead finishing in 3.29.33. 

Fully refreshed and looking forward to the Thursday’s race he said:

“I have had three days recovery and it is good weather so far, so I feel ready and capable of running my personal best. Depending on the weather on the day, I am optimistic that I can run fast.

“After the race here I go back to Kenya for three weeks preparation for the Kenyan trials and then, hopefully, Rio. It will not be easy because we have so many talented runners but I will try my best.”

Having been awarded the Olympic gold for the 1500m in 2008 after the original winner, Rashid Ramzi, tested positive for doping, Kiprop feels this is added motivation to succeed. “The sweetest moment for any athlete is to win Olympic gold and have the national anthem played in the stadium.  It is every athlete’s dream.  Being denied this in Beijing has given me extra motivation to work hard and achieve that dream.”

Kiprop’s biggest threats in the Dream Mile include current world number two and silver medalist at last year’s World Championships, fellow countryman, Eijah Motonel Managoi.  Current Olympic Champion at 1500m, Algerian, Taoufik Makhloufi will be out to challenge the Kenyan domination.

The Dream Mile has unrivalled pedigree with the stadium record being held by Moroccan, Hicham El Guerrouj at 3:44.90 since 1997.  Other illustrious winners have included Great Britain’s Sebastian Coe, Steve Ovett and Steve Cram; New Zealand’s John Walker, Moroccan Said Aouita and Noureddine Mourceli of Algeria.