Yego backs Kiprotich as he plots javelin exit

Former world champion and Olympics javelin silver medalist Julius Yego has described his 'understudy' Alexander Kiprotich as a huge talent. 

The two talented throwers are nemesis locally, one representing Kenya Police while the other suits up for Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) but beyond the country’s borders, theirs becomes friendly fire. 

Kiprotich set for Finland training ahead of busy 2023/24 season

With Yego planning to exit the javelin stage in the next two years, he has urged the 27-year-old KDF thrower, Kiprotich, to focus on his journey to the top.

The duo represented the country at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham where Yego managed bronze while the Africa Games silver medalist managed an eighth-place finish, competing with an injury. 

"He is really a nice guy, a huge talent," Yego offered when asked to comment anout his countryman's performance in Birmingham. "I understand the situation he was in as he had picked an injury in the lead up to the Club Games. He was struggling with the same during the Games but managing a 77.93 m throw under said circumstances is huge. 

Youtube Man Yego angling for last hurray before exiting javelin stage

I can only urge him to train hard, stay focused and aim higher. Now he should focus on going past the 85m mark and I am confident it will happen for him. I am praying he breaks the 80m mark soon as that will propel him to greater performances." 

Yego is looking to exit the stage on a high with medals in Budapest next year at the World Championships and in Paris in 2024 during the Summer Olympics. 

Kiprotich, on his part, landed a scholarship from National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) that will aide his preparation towards Paris and he is keen to make his debut at the Summer Games as well as the World Championships.