Kiprotich banking on Miramas push for Olympics qualification

World Athletics Under-20 Championship 400m semi finalist Elikanah Kiprotich is confident his time in France at the Miramas Athletics Club is what he needs to conquer the sprints. 

The 18-year-old was part of a team of 11 that camped at the club while preparing for the World Under-20 Championship in Cali, Colombia and he has gotten a chance to return for a month-long training. 

As part of the continued partnership with Athletics Kenya (AK), Kiprotich and long jumper Winnie Chepng’etich left the country for the specialized training on Friday 23 September.

According to AK, the duo's performance in at the initial camp where he hit the qualifying mark for the junior championship while Chepng'etich made it through in long and triple jump warranted the second chance. 

"I have gained some experience from competing in the last two World Under-20 Championship in Nairobi and Cali. My start off the blocks and how to navigate the curves has greatly improved from those two competitions. I am looking to get better," offered Kiprotich. 

He continued, "In Miramas, I am looking to work on my strength and finishing power which is my weakest link. I got my PB after training in this camp and I believe this is the push I need to qualify for the next Olympics. 

Kiprotich, Chepngetich relishing second chance to Miramas

After the training, I look forward to competing in the World Indoor Tour in 2023 as part of my build up to the World Championship where I hope to make the team. The ultimate goal, however, is the Paris Olympics." 

The former Mogonga PAG student who draws his inspiration from World and Olympics 800m champion Emmanuel Korir and 400m world record holder Wayde van Niekerk wants to follow in the footsteps of the former. 

Athletes have a busy 2023/24 season that will see them compete in the World Championships in Budapest, on top of the indoor and outdoor series before competing at the Olympics the following year.