Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medalist Daniel Simiu has expressed confidence in Kenya’s prospects of reclaiming the world title over the distance.
Simiu, 27, reiterated the need for teamwork to fend off the cutthroat competition posed by other nations and boost the country’s chances of cracking the title.
“I’m convinced we can achieve something significant if we prepare well and work closely as a team during the race. There is every chance the gold medal will go to a Kenyan athlete this time around,” Simiu said.
Simiu reckons the country has gifted athletes with the mojo to romp to the medal podium at the premier annual global showpiece if he seals a spot on the Kenyan team. “What’s important is that we bring the title to Kenya. I’ll be happy if any of us gets to win the race,” he added.
The national 5000m champion said he would use the Athletics Kenya (AK) world Championship trials at Nyayo Stadium this weekend to limber up for Budapest.
With qualifying times for both 5000m and 10,000m safely tucked in his bag, Simiu hinted at the possibility of running the 24-lap race in Budapest.
Simiu said he was eager to improve on his impressive performance at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games where he slightly fell short of upsetting his highly-rated Ugandan nemesis Joshua Cheptegei who ran away with the title. He said he was proud to have wrapped up second behind Kiplimo at the Commonwealth Games.
“Kiplimo is the best men’s 10,000m runner at the moment and emerging second behind him brought me some measure of pride,” Simiu remarked.
Simiu said he would do whatever it takes to book a spot on the Kenyan plane to Budapest, Hungary.
The 27-year-old cop has pledged to obliterate the field at Budapest’s National Athletics Centre on the banks of the Danube en route to a historic triumph.
“My focus is now on the World Championships. I strongly feel I will make the team to Budapest and return with a medal. What’s encouraging is that I already have the qualifying time,” Simiu said.
However, he is yet to decide whether he will take a stab at the 10,000m or the 5,000m race or even double in both.
“Whatever race I eventually choose, my goal is to win a medal. I’m keen to better my silver-medal achievement at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games,” Simiu said.
His season kicked off on a high note in Nigeria last month where he clocked 28.28 to set a new course record at the 2023 Okpekpe 10km International road race. Simiu stood atop the podium after fending off a stiff challenge from compatriot Brian Kwemoi (28.40) and Ethiopian Yasin Hagi (29:34).
“I was happy to win in Nigeria. It gave me the confidence I need as I prepare for the World Championships. I’m delighted with the new course record I set on that day,” Simiu said.
