Michael Kibet: My Dream Is To Be A World Champion

17th September 2019

The Iten based speed merchant has won high profile races abroad including Ostrava One Mile in Czech Republic, 3000m Outdoor in Hungary, 1500m Outdoor in Morocco and another 5000m Outdoor in Rovereto in Italy

Ostrava One Mile champion Michael Kibet (bib 153) in men’s 5000m contest at the Athletics Kenya’s national trials cum Doha Worlds Qualifiers at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on September 12, 2019. PHOTO:Dancun Sirma
Ostrava One Mile champion Michael Kibet (bib 153) in men’s 5000m contest at the Athletics Kenya’s national trials cum Doha Worlds Qualifiers at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on September 12, 2019. PHOTO:Dancun Sirma
SUMMARY
  • Though he started his career in 1500m, Kibet has since graduated to 5000m after being inspired in the category on his debut in Barcelona early this year
  •  His hard work paid off on the day when he floored a strong field of world beaters including Africa Games silver medalist Edward Zakayo, 10,000m World U-20 champion Rhonex Kipruto and former Commonwealth Games steeplechase winner Jonathan Ndiku
  • Although he was first in the Doha Worlds qualification, Kibet is still waiting for official confirmation from AK if he would be included in Team Kenya that reported for residential camp at MISC Kasarani on Monday

NAIROBI, Kenya- Michael Kibet was introduced to athletics by his teacher, Julias Maiyo, eight years ago when he was a Standard Seven pupil at Kombatich Primary School in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Since then the 20-year-old has never looked back.

Kibet has gone a head to win high profile races abroad including the Ostrava One Mile in Czech Republic, 3000m Outdoor in Hungary, 1500m Outdoor in Morocco and another 5000m Outdoor in Rovereto in Italy- all won in 2019.

Though he started his career in 1500m, Kibet has since graduated to 5000m after being inspired in the category on his debut in Barcelona early this year.

READ MORE: Injured World Champion Elijah Manangoi Pulls Out Of Doha

His great show in Spain motivated him to try his luck at the Athletics Kenya (AK) national trials for Doha World Championship slated for September 27 to October 6 in Qatar that were concluded at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi last weekend.

Ahead of the qualifiers, the Eldoret based athlete did his homework well under head coach William Koila at the rugged terrains of Iten.

 His hard work paid off on the day when he floored a strong field of world beaters including Africa Games silver medalist Edward Zakayo, 10,000m World U-20 champion Rhonex Kipruto and former Commonwealth Games steeplechase winner Jonathan Ndiku.

“My dream is to be a world champion. I want to achieve this in the next five years,” the speed merchant told SportPesa News.

“It has been 14 years since Kenya won gold in 5000m at the worlds, I want to be the athlete who will reclaim back the glory. The jinx has to be broken,” he underlined.

READ MORE: Concerned Leopards Coach Mbungo Remains Positive Despite Slow SPL Start

Although he was first in the Doha Worlds qualification, Kibet is still waiting for official confirmation from AK if he would be included in Team Kenya that reported for residential camp at MISC Kasarani on Monday.

This is due to the strict anti-doping procedures meted on Kenya which remains to be on the World Anti-Doping Agency international watch list.

According to regulations by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), an athlete can only be allowed to compete at an IAAF event if they have undergone at least three doping tests including one out of competition, a condition Kibet is yet to fulfill.

Despite the hitch, Kibet who boasts of a personal best of 13: 11 is not shaken and keeps on reassuring himself that he is the best.

“No matter what comes my way,I’m destined to be a world champion. Watch this space,” he emphasised.

“I’m carrying on with my  training as usual because I know and believe I’m a gold prospect. If I’m included in the national squad that will be good. If I miss out that’s fine, there will be next time,” he underscored.

READ MORE: Magnificent Mane, Fantastic Fati Headline Africans In Europe Review

Kibet’s training schedule always starts on Monday with slopes then speed work on Tuesday. 

He does exercises on Wednesdays with  Thursdays reserved for fieldwork.

“Fridays and Saturdays are for long run before I rest on Sunday.”

The strategy that has helped Kibet to bag a handful of international titles very simple- he always starts the race at the tail-end, then moves to the middle before he unleashes his finishing kick when its two laps to go.

“Before I proceed to any competition, I have to prepare well to gain confidence.

“Also age is on my side not forgetting the stamina and energy. They give me an edge over my opponents.

“I don’t run many races that might burn me out when I’m focused on a crucial event,” he stated.

The athlete who believes he has amazing form currently insists he can even floor Olympic champion Mo Farah of Britain who has dominated 5000m for a protracted period.

He is inspired by world marathon record-holder Eliud Kipchoge who is also considers as his role model.

He admits that Kipchoge’s resilience and determination is what also motivates him in the career he has chosen. 

Kibet’s message to those who want to establish a career in athletics is to run clean, warning them that other malpractices like doping would bring their career to a sad ending.