The 2022 World Under-20 champion Reynold Cheruiyot reckons he is ripe enough to assert authority at the Paris 2024 Olympic games.
In an interview, Cheruiyot portrayed his inclusion in Team Kenya as a dream come true, vowing to hoist the nation's flag high in the French capital.
He confirmed his place in the Kenyan team after winning the men’s 1500m race in 3:35.63 during the Kenya Olympics trials at Nyayo Stadium over the weekend.
“It was always my dream to make the Olympic Games and I am so delighted to be going to Paris," Cheruiyot remarked.
“I spent sleepless nights meditating over my chances and I'm glad I managed to earn a spot on the Kenyan team,” he added.
However, Cheruiyot is aware of the huge task that awaits him in the French capital and has vowed to burn the midnight oil in anticipation of a successful outing.
"I'll continue to train hard and I'm looking forward to a good race in Paris. There are several things I'll be keen to improve on, including my speed. A podium finish would be preferable," Cheruiyot remarked.
He added: “I'm expecting a fierce contest against Olympic champion Jacob Ingebrigtsen and Jodh Kerr of Great Britain. It won't be all that easy even against my compatriot and namesake Timothy Cheruiyot," he stated.
Cheruiyot reckons they can collaborate effectively with his teammate to secure a top-two podium finish. “We have a chance to win gold and silver for Kenyan if we work as a team. I believe Timothy and I can do something extra to make the nation proud."
He heads to France buoyed by his conquest at this year’s Kip Keino Classic, where he clocked 3:31.96 to storm to the 1500m title on April 20 at Nyayo Stadium.
Cheruiyot rose to global acclamation after bagging gold in 1500m at the 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia.
He finished second at the 2023 World Athletics Cross Country Championships U20 race in Bathurst, Australia. In April 2023, he won gold in the 1500m at the African U20 Championships in Ndola, Zambia, and finished second in the 5k at the Lille Half Marathon.
In September 2023, Cheruiyot set a new U-20 world record for the mile, running 3:48.06 at the Diamond League final in Eugene, Oregon.
In May 2024, he finished third in the 1,500m at the 2024 Doha Diamond League event.