This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
Kenyan athlete Paul Lonyangata is determined to turn his recent Paris Marathon miss into gold at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, set for September 27th to October 6th.
Published on September 18th, 2019, Lonyangata became the first athlete in 28 years to claim back-to-back Paris Marathon titles last year but slipped back as Ethiopian Abrha Milaw won the race this year in April.
Despite the near miss, Lonyangata says he has shaken off an injury he sustained in Paris and is now focused on the World Championships.
“I had prepared well for Paris, but two weeks to the event I injured my arm in training which forced me to go to Italy for surgery and I only had three days before the event; many were surprised the condition I ran in that race and also the time,” Lonyangata told Citizen Digital.
He has since returned to form, finishing third at the Argentina half marathon on August 25th this year with a time of 00:59:48.
“2:07:29 was perfect for me in Paris where I encountered many problems, but a return to Argentina half marathon was even better for me, I tested my body in readiness to Doha and I know am ready”’ he added.
Lonyangata will partner with defending champion Geoffrey Kirui, Amos Kipruto, and Laban Korir at the World Championships, which will take place on October 5th at midnight EAT.
“The team is in good shape and if we work on team work, that is the only way we can secure all the medals for Kenya without focusing who will win what”, Lonyangata Concluded.
