NAIROBI, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Olympic 3,000m steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto has allayed fears that Kenya may be losing its grip on the water and hurdle race at the 2019 World Championships, to be held in Doha, Qatar from September 28 to October 6.
Injury problems and stronger competition have seen Kenya cede ground to athletes from Ethiopia, the USA, Morocco and Uganda on the global stage.
However, Kipruto, who is nursing a foot injury, believes he will hit top form at the right moment to silence his critics in Doha.
"I know myself and I am getting there. Let the Kenyans and other critics who are worried that this is the weakest team going to a major tournament hold their peace.
"Give this team the benefit of the doubt and support our preparations. We all know what the event means to the country," Kipruto said on Tuesday in Nairobi.
The 24-year-old had been out of action since May, but returned to competition in Paris in June.
He also competed at the Africa Games in Rabat and in the Brussels Diamond League, losing on both occasions. But he has not lost hope.
"I know myself better than anybody else. It has not been an easy season for me, but what I can promise is that I will hit form when it matters most," he said.
Kipruto will join forces with Leonard Bett, Africa Games champion Benjamin Kigen and Abraham Kibiwott.
However, Diamond League winner Wales Getnet holds the advantage going to Doha. The Ethiopian was second to Kipruto at the Africa Championships in Nigeria, while Morocco's Soufiane El Bakkali has been ranked world number one this season.
"They are top runners and they have the capacity to challenge. But Kenya will push a notch higher. Forget the theatrics I showed at the Kenya trials. I only wanted to acknowledge fans and that is why I ran a few laps and pulled out. It was a strategy and now I turn up my focus to polish up the rust and we meet in Doha," added Kipruto.
Kipruto, who has a wildcard entry to the tournament by virtue of being the defending champion, says the water and hurdles event is traditionally a Kenyan affair and so it will remain, even at the World Championships in Qatar.
"We will work hard in training and don't be surprised if we sweep the medals. Kenya has the capacity and we will always show up when needed," he added.
