NAIROBI, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Commonwealth Games 1,500m champion Elijah Manangoi of Kenya plans to win double golds at the World Championships in Doha, Qatar in October.
However, the 26-year-old, nicknamed Lion, has hinted he might give the Africa Games a bye to focus on defending his title and breaking through in the 5,000m. Manangoi ran his first 5,000m race on home soil in Narok last week.
"The All Africa Games is not in my plans. My target is to run well and focus on the World Championships in Doha. I want also to run in the 5,000m race," Manangoi said on Tuesday evening.
"But generally I want to double up at the World Championships if allowed."
Manangoi is also recovering from an injury he picked in Stockholm Diamond League meeting in Sweden, which saw him finish eight, his worst position in the series.
"I still hold on hope to run a world record time in the 1,500m. If it comes my way, it will be good. I want to run my personal best in Monaco this year," Manangoi said.
Kenya has had several athletes doubling up but it was London Marathon silver medalist Vivian Cheruiyot who hit the jackpot in Daegu, South Korea when she doubled up in the 5,000m and 10,000m races and won both. She also did it in Rio Olympic Games and ended up winning gold and silver.
Now Manangoi hopes to do the double in Qatar for the World Championships which starts on September 28 to October 6.
Manangoi has won all the medals in 1,500m, save for the Olympics, and will be keen to upgrade and compete in the 5,000m in Doha.
"I am planning to compete in 5,000m in future," Manangoi said.
"Youngsters are coming up very fast just like my brother George (Manangoi), the world junior champion. We need to give these youngsters space in the shorter races. It has always been my dream to run the 5,000m and I am happy I have started the journey," he said.
Manangoi also dreams of one day running the ultimate distance, the 42km marathon race.
"The transition is a process and I hope one day I will be able to test my endurance and skills and will take on the marathon," he noted.
