Former Olympic marathoner champion Stephen Kiprotich will be the first Olympic champion to compete at this year’s Toronto marathon set for October 21st in Canada.
Kiprotich with his cousin the 2014 Commonwealth marathon bronze medalist will be facing off with defending champion and two time winner Philemon Rono Philemon Rono targeting Toronto marathon hat trick.
The Ugandan international trains alongside Rono, world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge among others at the Global Sports Communication (GSC) camp.
The 2012 Olympic marathon champion timing 2:08.01 will be competing against training mates Rono, Kiplimo, reigning Barcelona marathon champion Anthony Maritim and 2009 Paris marathon champion Vincent Kipruto, all coming from GSC.
“I will be competing against my training mates but that won’t cost us anything. As much as I will be chasing a Toronto title just like Rono and others from the camp and across the world, there will be one winner, not two. So my preparations bare on top and willing to come home with the title,” said the 2011 Enschede marathon champion.
The 2013 world marathon champion said each runner will be on course for nothing less than a win but if he doesn’t win but his training mates win, then they will celebrate as a family unlike other people.
“I know how competitive the race will be but my prayer is that one of us should win. If possible, team Global should sweep the podium,” added the 2012 Tokyo marathon bronze medalist.
Kiprotich won the first Olympic marathon title and the second Olympic gold for Uganda after John Akii-Bua. Bua won the 400m hurdles gold in the 1972 Olympic games in Munich, Germany.
The country has also had two gold, three silver and one bronze medals in Olympic Games. In 1968 Mexico City Eridadi Mukwanga won the first medal in men’s Bantamweight boxing, 1972 Munich through Leo Rwabwogo in men’s Flyweight boxing and 1980 Games in Moscow won by John Mugabi competing in men’s Welterweight boxing. Bronze medal was scooped by Davis Kamoga in the 1996 Games in Atlanta competing in men’s 400m.