Cheruiyot goes for the kill at Lausanne Diamond League meeting

Source: Xinhua| 2019-07-02 23:16:17|Editor: yan
Video PlayerClose

NAIROBI, July 2 (Xinhua) -- World 1,500m silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot will be stretched to the limit when he defends his title at the Lausanne Diamond League on Friday in Switzerland.

Cheruiyot braved a visa hitch to arrive in Eugene, Oregon in the United States on 24-hours prior to his Prefontaine Classic race and went on to win.

Another victorious performance for Cheruiyot in Lausanne will make anything but a foregone conclusion on his quest to retain the Diamond Trophy.

"No better a moment to confirm I'll be back to race at the Athletissima Lausanne Diamond League meeting in 1,500m. That is my next stop," said Cheruiyot on Tuesday.

Unlike at the Prefontaine Classic, Cheruiyot will not have the challenge to fight it over with world champion Elijah Manangoi, who will skip the meet to attend to his injury concerns. However, it will not water down the level of competition as he has to contend with Bethwel Birgen, the World Indoor bronze medalist.

Cheruiyot won a second-straight IAAF Diamond League trophy last year, helping him earn his first world number one ranking. Now he is eager to retain same status going into the World Championships in Doha, Qatar in October.

"I have high hopes I will win gold this time round at the World Championships. But it is equally important for me to remain consistent in the Diamond League and win the trophy," he added.

Cheruiyot, 23, has gotten off to a solid start, opening his season with a runner-up finish in Doha and a victory in Oslo last week.

TOP STORIES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
MOST VIEWED
EXPLORE XINHUANET
010020070750000000000000011105521381931681