Recovering from a knee injury that kept him away from defending his world 1,500m title, Elijah Manangoi has set his eye to win his first Olympic Games medal next year in Tokyo, Japan.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games 1,500m champion described his nagging injury as a monster in his career but had to forget about the tribulations and focus for this year’s Olympic medal.
“Last season it was too bad for me after missing world championships due to knee injury but am back, ready for Olympic Games title,” said the former world 1,500m silver medalist.
“It was tough and hard for me because to remember what really happened I could have gone to Doha to defend my title, represent my people and my country at large. But I have to be strong, forget and leave those misfortunes behind, come back and focus now Tokyo 2020 in Japan,” added Manangoi.
With many athletes sifting their focus to the same games, Manangoi said he is preparing for the new season, hoping to start his season well, as he has started going to the gym, long runs.
“I don’t want to remember much about world championships in Doha because it was a disappointment for me, failing to defend my title but for now am fine, fit for any challenge,” said the 2017 world 1,500m champion.
Despite posting poor results in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he described the situation as a big blow.
The Narok born runner finished in 12th position timing 3:45.47.
“In Rio, it was a big blow though the following year, I went ahead to win gold in London. Actually Rio was a good learning curve for me. It was a morale booster, to be stronger and knew that everything is possible if you fail and wake up stronger better than what had gone wrong,” said Manangoi who runs alongside his young brother George.
He added that losing to run in Doha has given him enough time to recover and prepare him for a golden chance in Tokyo.
“Injuries are there and we have to accept them once they knock-on, though they should not pin you down,” added Manangoi.
With lack of training facilities across the country, Africa champion said the little they have, they guide them well during training sessions to represent Kenya very well.
“We have small challenges but we have to remain focused,” added Manangoi
Source: The Star Newspaper