The 2019 Africa javelin silver medallist Alexander Kiprotich believes the African Championships set for Douala, Cameroon, offers him an opportunity to punch his ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The continental championships is slated for June 21-26 where Kiprotich hopes to overhaul his 78.84m (unofficial) best in the hunt for the 85.50m Paris entry standard.
"I am in good shape and feeling positive about my training. I can throw beyond that (78m)," Kiprotich said.
He believes Kenyan athletes perform better abroad and is counting on Douala, which is at sea level, to realise his Olympic dream.
"In Kenya, one may not perform well but this changes when we compete abroad. The reasons vary, but the key is the weather," he said.
He wants to become the second javelin throw Olympian after Julius Yego, who competed in the last three editions; London 2012 (finalist), Rio 2016 (silver) and Tokyo 2022 (qualifying round).
"I have no choice but to keep pushing forward, considering all eyes will be on me to deliver," said Kiprotich.
At the national athletics championships at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on May 16-17, Kiproitch threw 73.16m to finish third behind Yego (81.21m) and Methuselah Kiprop (74.21m).
However, this was a drawback from his performance at the African Games in Accra, Ghana, in March, where he threw 75.45m to finish sixth.
He believes punching a ticket to Paris will be the best way to repay the National Olympic Committee of Kenya, who have presented him with a rare scholarship.
Kiprotich, who has been in the sport since 2011, believes his patience will one day pay off and has urged fellow athletes to be as patient.
"Without patience, one may be tempted to try doping as a shortcut, which can cost someone their entire career," he said.
"Athletes should realise that doping affects sporting careers and health in general. I appeal to all athletes to refrain."
