This archive report was first published on 8 August 2020.
Kenyan athlete Conseslus Kipruto, the Olympic champion in the 3,000 meters steeplechase, is set to compete in the Monaco Diamond League race on Friday, August 14, 2020, at the Stade Louis II in Monte Carlo.
According to Nation Sport, Kipruto expressed optimism about running under eight minutes in the event, a feat he believes is within his reach.
"I have had enough time to train since March when all the races were cancelled owing to the coronavirus pandemic. I am happy I was invited for the Monaco race. I'm looking forward to the race which I want to run under eight minutes," said Kipruto.
He plans to use the Monaco race as a test to gauge his performance ahead of his big agenda to break the world record time, currently held by Saif Saaeed Shaheen (formerly known as Stephen Cherono) at seven minutes, 53.63 seconds.
"I will be using the race to gauge my performance as I prepare to lower the world record time which has been out of the country for a long time. If I'm the Olympic and World champion, what makes it hard for me to break the world record? posed Kipruto.
Despite facing challenges with training facilities, Kipruto has been able to train adequately, setting up barriers at his home to improve his jumping techniques.
He is grateful to the Ministry of Sports and Athletics Kenya for intervening to have athletes receive the Schengen visa, allowing them to travel to Europe for the race.
"I will be travelling to Eldoret to have a Covid-19 test at the Lancet Laboratory and the same will be done in Nairobi before we leave for the race because we need to have a certificate for the last 72 hours before we get to Monaco," added Kipruto.
