Road to Tokyo: Legends say strategy is king in race for medals

When the country’s history at the World Athletics Championships is written, their names are likely to feature prominently.

During their prime, they say, the Kenyan flag came first and everything else was secondary.

Kenyan World Championships legends are looking forward to a thrilling global showpiece in Tokyo from September 13-21.

As the country’s selected athletes get ready to take on their counterparts from across the globe at the World Athletics Tokyo25, legends who have dominated the podium in the history of the biennial event reflected on past contests and shared their advice.

Talk of individual glory at the World Championships and names such as Moses Kiptanui, Ezekiel Kemboi, Asbel Kiprop, Wilson Boit Kipketer and Bernard Barmasai pop up.

Their medals and those bagged by their compatriots have over the years helped Kenya reaffirm its dominance in the world’s topmost athletics show.

Kiptanui was a dominant figure at the World Championships in the 1990s and rarely missed out on the podium.

With three titles from 1991 Tokyo, 1993 Stuttgart and 1995 Gothenburg, Kiptanui and other legends made Kenya proud and believe that strategy ahead of next month's competition in key.

30 years ago, Kiptanui and Christopher Koskei reached the podium and in 1993, he led Patrick Sang to 1-2 Kenyan finish.

During their time, and up until ten years ago, podium sweeps at the World Championships was almost a Kenyan affair in a number of middle and long distance events. Notable races were 3000m steeplechase, 800m and 1500m.

On Thursday, Kiptanui who was in the 1-2-3 Kenyan finishers of the 1997 Athens World Championships, said stellar performances were planned during the preparations stage (after national trials) and executed during the competition.

“Teamwork only happens during the heats but we all become competitors during the final. It is everyone’s strength. The thing is, how we qualify for the final,” said the Eldoret-based retired athlete.

Kiptanui went on to say: “We show the world that we are a united team but deep in our hearts we are competitors because we have to compete.”

He was however quick to warn of diminishing track talents as more athletes continue to shift to road races.

“We had several track competitions when our stadiums were in good condition. There is a need for a deliberate effort to nurture and give opportunities to more young talents. Many schools that were known for producing athletics giants are no longer churning out champions. Those that are still keen on sports are because of dedicated school principals,” the legend added.

Ezekiel Kemboi, Kiptanui’s protégé who is now enjoying the legendary status advises the team to Tokyo to “put Kenya first.”

According to Kemboi, the team getting ready to fly Kenyan colours has the advantage of improved shoe technology and wave light technology and can capitalise on that to produce stunning results.

Kemboi, a four-time 3000m steeplechase world champion is one of the most successful Kenyan stars in the international contest. He led Kenya his teammates Conseslus Kipruto and Brimin Kipruto to a clean podium sweep at the 2015 Beijing World Championships. Kemboi was the captain of a team that topped the world.

“We sat at Moi Sports Centre Kasarani and I reminded my teammates that I was the senior most in the Team Kenya to 2015 Beijing World Championships. They listened to me when I told them that the Kenyan flag was greater than our ambitions. I would urge the current team to take to Tokyo with that spirit,” Kemboi told Standard Sports yesterday.

Kemboi said athletics managers should be patriotic and give the Kenyan team time to strategise for the country.

“These days, every manager wants their athletes to go for victory when there are sacrifices that athletes can make during a race for the sake of the country’s glory,” he said.

The two-time Olympic champion added: “We planned to ensure that we defeat our strongest opponents in the heats. We agreed that it would be everyone for himself in the final and it worked very well. As we head to Tokyo, I urge athletics managers to allow the team to represent Kenya. Let us allow them to plan how to execute their strategies and team Kenya.”

Asbel Kiprop, a three-time World Champion, said improved performances are likely to be achieved because of scientific training. 

According to the 2008 Olympic champion, double threshold training is giving current athletes more advantage in endurance building.

"We rarely had athletes running under-3:27 in1500m during my prime but today, the numbers are increasing even before the World Championships," said Kiprop.

Kiprop further observed: "We performed well in 1500m because the world was yet to catch up with us. There was no special strategy but it is normally a long term plan. Training is now scientific and that could mean improved performances. During our days, we could train without having to track your weight.