Kenya must prepare for fierce 1500m battle at Tokyo worlds, warns Cheruiyot

Former World Under-20 champion Reynold Cheruiyot has urged Kenyan athletes to brace for an intense showdown in the 1,500m at the upcoming Tokyo World Championships in September.

Cheruiyot emphasized that the early season record-breaking performances by rivals indicate Kenyans will need to dig deep to reclaim the world title, last won by Timothy Cheruiyot in Doha 2019.

“The 1500m final will be one of the toughest in Tokyo. We have seen competitors opening the season with record-breaking runs, which is a clear warning that we must be at our best to fight for the gold,” said Cheruiyot.

The 1500m competitors, America’s Yared Nuguse briefly held the world record in the indoor mile with a time of 3:46.63 at the Millrose Games in New York on February 8. Before, Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen shattered that record just five days later, clocking 3:45.14 at the Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais Trophée EDF in Lievin, France.

“Ingebrigtsen will be out to prove a point in Tokyo, and we must learn their tactics quickly. We must also be ready to challenge for titles,” Cheruiyot asserted.

Kenya dominated the 1500m from 2015 when Asbel Kiprop won the world title in Beijing. Elijah Manangoi followed with victory in 2017 before Timothy Cheruiyot secured gold in 2019. However, the past two editions have been won by British athletes—Jake Wightman in Eugene 2022 and Josh Kerr in Budapest 2023—while Ingebrigtsen settled for silver in both instances.

 “I target Kip Keino Classic and the Oslo Diamond League to build up well and be in top shape when it matters most,” he revealed.

One key area of focus in his training will be reaction time and recovery.

“My reaction time must improve. My recovery between heats and crucial finals has been slow, and that has affected my performance. The 1500m is physically demanding, and I must be prepared for the challenge,” Cheruiyot noted.

The rising star from Tarakwa, Bomet County, demonstrated his current form by winning the senior men’s 2km race at the Sirikwa Classic in Eldoret on February 22, clocking 6:01. He edged out Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech (6:02) and Frankline Kimutai Kosgei (6:04) to secure the title.