NAIROBI, April 29 – World marathon record holder, Dennis Kimetto is ready to forego another attempt to lower his standard in favour of running for his nation at the summer Beijing World Championships in August if given the chance.
Kimetto who is hoping to don the famed red, black and green strip for the first time when Athletics Kenya (AK) announces the team in a week’s time and is confident he will do the country proud by bringing back the top medal last won by twice titleholder, Abel Kirui at the 2011 running in Daegu, South Korea.
The 30 year-old former herdsman who became the first man in history to shatter the 2:03 barrier in ultimate distance running when he won Berlin in 2:02:58 to set the new standard finished third at the London Marathon last Sunday in 2:05:50.
He revealed a recurrence of a long standing knee injury saw him drop from the leading pack over the last three kilometres before limping home behind compatriots, training partner Wilson Kipsang and winner Eliud Kipchoge.
“The race was very tough because of the rainy weather but I’m happy I finished third despite struggling with a knee injury. I could have won if the pain did not return because it made me drop from the leading pack to find my pace.
“It was nice racing against top athletes like Kipsang whom I train with but I was not under pressure since I’m the world record holder. I had done enough preparations but it’s only my knee that let me down.
“For now I will relax a little then start training for Beijing World Championships (if selected),” Kimetto who raced his first major marathon since breaking Kipsang’s record in 2:02:57 last September narrated.
AK is expected to name a strong line-up for the Beijing Worlds’ as Kenya eyes to reclaim the title snatched away by Ugandan and Olympic Champion Stephen Kiprotich in Moscow.