A two time silver medalist in the All African Games Robert Kibet is now ready to take on another challenge at the 2024 World Masters Indoor Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The veteran athlete aged 60 years who won a gold medal at the 2021 African Masters Games in Nairobi is set to compete in the 1500m, 800m and the 4 x 400m mixed relay events during the 2024 World Masters Indoor Athletics Championships which will be held on 13-25th August.
The Kericho born athlete took part in the 1500m race during the 1989 African Championships and won a silver medal and in 1990 he competed in the 800m emerging second at the African Games. He has another silver medal under his belt from 1991 African Games in 800m.
In an interview with KNA, Kibet who doubles up as an athletic Coach said he hopes to inspire the younger athletes to run clean and to transit to retirement without problems.
He added that doping must be discouraged at all costs.
“As an athlete discipline is paramount and you will be proud of your performance if you win clean. Many of the athletes want shortcuts but they ought to believe in themselves and train well with their coaches. Drugs have negative consequences and they are detrimental on their health whose effects are seen when an athlete retires from active running. Doping taints the image of the athlete and the country as well. Currently Kenya is in Category A of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) compliance watch list since 2016 and the government should introduce stringent measures to eradicate this menace because short doping bans have not helped as an athlete is able to return to the sport. “said Kibet.
He advised athletes to adhere to their training schedules from their coaches for them to succeed in their running careers.
With a running career spurning to two decades’ time since 1989, the veteran athlete has represented Kenya in All African Games, Commonwealth, Africa Championship, World Championships and World Indoor Games with exception of not having competed in the Olympics and Cross Country races.
“I have trained well and I am confident to breaking a record. My personal best stands at 1:41.90 this was in 1989 during the 1500m national trials qualifying for an international race. I have trained well and I am confident to breaking a record. My body is in good shape and I intend to keep active in my running career for many more years to come.” said Kibet.
