After a brilliant show
internationally this season, Jairus Kipchoge Birech, has lofty dreams
–he wants to break the world 3,000m steeplechase’> steeplechase
record next year.
And that would perhaps slide him into winning the prestigious IAAF World
Athlete of the Year award.
The 21-year-old Birech, however, hopes that his performance this season
are enough to earn him the big prize at the IAAF 2014 World Athletics
Gala in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on November 21.
He holds the 3,000m steeplechase’> steeplechase world lead mark
(7:58.41), IAAF Diamond Steeplechase Race Trophy, Africa title and
Commonwealth Games silver; all under his medal-laden belt this season.
Birech and newly crowned world marathon record holder Dennis Kimetto,
are the only Kenyans among ten men and ten women nominees IAAF
short-listed for the 2014 World Athlete of the Year Award.
“We are the only Kenyans and it would be great of we emerge among the
top three nominees. I am calling on Kenyans to vote for me. I have had a
nice season,” he said.
said he will not rest on his laurels, well aware that a huge task await
him next year.
“I know the world is closely monitoring my progress in the race and I do
not want to disappoint them. I will attempt the world 3,000m
steeplechase’> steeplechase record and if the shape and weather
conditions will allow, I can attempt it at the World Championships in
Beijing.
off next year, I will begin preparations to break the world record in
3,000m steeplechase’> steeplechase as well as focusing on the Diamond
league trophy win again,” said Birech.
Birech, who grew up with his cousin and 2007 world 800m champion Alfred
Yego Kirwa, was in imperious form this season and hopes to stretch it
into next season.
He has a personal best time of 7:58.41, he set last year at the IAAF
Diamond League meeting in Brussels, Belgium, last August. He has had a
good season, winning six out of fourteen IAAF Diamond League meetings.
Birech, who comes from Chesunet Village near Moi University’s main
campus, trains under Italian track and field agent Gianni Demadonna.
Courtesy of standardmedia.co.ke