Korir calm as he recovers ahead of Budapest23

Olympic and world 800m champion Emmanuel Korir says he is working his way towards full fitness ahead of the World Athletics Championships which kicks off next week in Budapest, Hungary.

Korir has had a quiet season after suffering a calf injury that has seen him struggle at the Diamond League circuit. He also sat out during the Kenyan trials for the Worlds.

“For now I am feeling better and ready for the World Championships even though I am not 100 per cent but I know the remaining one week is enough to change some things. I have been battling a calf injury but for now it is better as it is allowing me to do a lot in training,” Korir told Citizen Digital.

The 28-year-old has established himself as a force to reckon over the 800m race striking when it matters most in major events such as the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, 2022 World Championships and Diamond League finals.

While he is yet to win any race this season, Korir has urged his fans to be calm as something good could come in Budapest.

“People should know that we are humans too and we also go through ups and downs. It is true I haven’t had a good run in the Diamond League but for me I was just using the races to test my mileage and endurance. But above all the priority is my health and thus I didn’t have to push that much,” said Korir.

While Korir heads to Budapest as the defending champion, he says he is not under pressure even as he seeks to be the second Kenyan to claim back-to-back titles in 800m at the World Championships.

“It is going to be my fourth World Championships and so I don’t have any pressure at all. I am going to do my best as I have been doing and moreover I know most of the athletes who will be in Budapest except maybe a few newcomers,” said Korir.

As he prepares to compete in his third World Championships, Korir has rated highly his teammates Ferguson Rotich, Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Kipngetich Ngeno.

“I do feel this is the best team. Apart from (Emmanuel) Wanyonyi, the three of us were in Doha. I am sure if we fight I think we will come home with something heavy,”