The Olympic 1,500m silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot reckons he’s back in top form in time for the Paris Olympic Games.
Cheruiyot was sidelined for nine months after an injury at last year’s World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
He was forced to withdraw during the heats. The race title was won by Britain’s Josh Kerr (3:29.38) followed by Olympic champion, Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen (3:29.65) and Narve Nordas (3:29.68).
Cheruiyot, a five-time Diamond League Trophy winner believes his confidence is back after a splendid display at the Monaco Diamond League. He finished second in 3:28.71, trailing Ingebrigtsen (3:27.73 – world lead) and ahead of compatriot Brian Komen (3:28.80).
“I got an injury last year, that’s why I was a little down. But I am happy with the results from Monaco. I was able to improve my time and run 3:28,” Cheruiyot said. He expects a tough outing in Paris.
“1,500m is very competitive now. There are a lot of young athletes coming up, fast. I am happy since I have had a chance to gauge myself ahead of the Olympics. I am happy I was able to perform well,” Cheruiyot added.
Since return from injury, Cheruiyot has featured in various races. At the Doha Diamond League on May 10, he placed second in 3:32.67, behind Komen (3:32.43) and ahead of Reynold Cheruiyot (3:32.96).
On May 22, he finished fourth at the National Championships (3:40.23) and was third in the 800m (1:45.65) trailing Nicholas Kebenei (1:45.46) and Alex Ngeno (1:45.01).
Later that month, he took second place at the Oslo Diamond League, clocking 3:29.77, behind Ingebrigtsen (3:29.74).
Last month, Cheruiyot clinched his spot for Paris by placing third (3:35.90) at the Olympic trials at Nyayo Stadium, behind Daniel Munguti (3:35.80) and Reynold (3:35.63).
Cheruiyot is focused on fine-tuning his preparations to ensure he is in prime condition for the August 1-11 track and field schedule in Paris.
“I want to work on my speed. A lot of hard work needs to be done in the remaining weeks to ensure I am in perfect condition for the Olympics,” he said.
