Kibet leaves room for improvement after good show in 5000m at Kip Keino Classic

Fans at Nyayo Stadium following the Kip Keino Classic.[Stafford Ondego,Standard]

The 2021 World Under 20 5000m bronze medallist Levy Kibet admits he could do better than his second-place finish at Saturday’s Absa Kip Keino Classic at Nyayo National Stadium. 

The 20-year-old said speed is one of his weakest areas he will be working on as he prepares to represent the country at upcoming international assignments. 

“The race was good and I just need to improve on my speed work especially the last 200m as the track season starts,” Kibet said. 

The youngster clocked 13:38.39 to finish second in the men’s 5000m as Ethiopian teenager Abdisa Fayisa crossed the finish line first, in a personal best of 13:34.77. 

World Cross Country Championships finalist Charles Rotich came third in a personal best of 13:39.16. 

Considering the World Continental Tour Gold event is his first race this season, Kibet is optimistic his performance on the day portends good things for other races to come. 

“My next race is the Adidas Adizero that shall be held on April 27 in Germany,” he revealed. 

Meanwhile, Rotich disclosed his hunger for more, adding that he will only be satisfied with a place at the Olympics in Paris. 

“The competition was tough. I want to work hard in my training as I aim a place in team Kenya to the 2024 Paris Olympics,” he said. 

The youngster finished sixth in the men’s Under 20 race at last month’s World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.

At the same time, African champion Gina Mariam Bass Bittaye made Gambia proud by clocking 11.33 to lift Absa Kip Keino Classic title in her debut at Nyayo Stadium.

"My target for the season is to run 10. 9. But I'm just okay with this result as this is a high altitude area. I believe the time will come when I will reach the intended tartget, I'm aiming to be among the Olympics finalists this year," she stated.

All last year's podium finishers; Terry Twanisha (winner from USA), Hobbs Zoe (silver medallist from New Zealand) and third placed Rosius Rani (Belgium) did not turn up for the show this year.