Two time world marathon champion Abel Kirui has set his focus to compete at the Milano marathon following the suspension of Mumbai Marathon.
The May 16th competition was a reprieve for 2016 Chicago marathon champion after missing a slot for the Olympic Games marathon team.
The 2012 Olympic Games marathon silver medalist has abandoned the planned Mumbai marathon and focused to compete at Milano with the biting coronavirus in India.
The ambitious Kirui, who missed the marathon team to compete for Kenya again at the Olympic Games set for Tokyo, Japan said he competed at the Valencia Marathon, finishing in 5th position timing 2:05.05, which was a qualifying time
but due to the glut he missed the opportunity.
“Olympic is such a bigger competition in the world than world championships with big names and competition. Despite missing in the marathon team, I pray for those who will represent the country,” said the former Chicago marathon champion.
He said he was forced to cancel some of his races but heading into Milano is a privilege he never expected following the COVID-19 disaster that spreads so fast like bush fire.
“I have lost many races including the Mumbai marathon set for 29th of this month. India is now in a bad state but I am lucky as a man of God, he has opened ways for me. My manager informed me that I have been entered to compete
at the Milano Marathon. The information was so good for me and my family,” said Kirui at his Kesses home in Eldoret.
He added that Milano is now his focus, which is closer that Mumbai marathon as par the time allocated but with his shape and fitness is upto date.
“I was well preparing for Mumbai and I will transfer the same to Milano. My fitness is good because during the last long run, the test course that we used to run 2:20 we completed in 2:18. Alongside Mike Kigen. We shook hands
congratulating our level of fitness. I know it is a short time but the shape cannot disappoint me,” he added.
He said the coronavirus situation in Italy is not as bad as India and the race will be competed on a loop just like NN Mission Running where we will do seven laps and it is a matter of preparations and keeping safe first.
“My prayer is to see the race organizers adhere to COVID-19 rules then everybody will run the race smiling, safe and confident. Preparing a marathon is not easy, but the first rule is to keep in mind that the race has come and
you must thank God, whether you are in that form, you only pray that you don’t pick an injury because that is the worst enemy of any athlete then prepare psychologically ahead,” said Kirui.
“When I was told there is a race, then I was in the same training programme and I questioned myself that I have to be disciplined to regulate my movements because there are so many things happening now,” he explained.
He says his family is the pillar of his success, and that is his first priority.
“It is lucky to have a family and you thank God because actually family is my big support all the time. When I come home I interact well. They make my mind sober, pray for me and cheer me on and on. Family has been a big support
in my life,” he said.
He added that there will be joy in winning but losing is part of sports despite the sorry and comfort they provide.