NAIROBI, Kenya, March 11 – After failing to make the cut in the country’s squad for IAAF World Cross in Guiyang, China convicted doper, Matthew Kisorio, has targeted the August World Championships in Beijing as the next frontier of his re-integration to the sport.
The Kenyan captain for the 2011 Punta Umbria World Cross and former African distance double champion finished third at last Sunday’s second First Lady’s Half Marathon to continue his fine form on the domestic form and is eyeing a place in the 10,000m squad for summer’s global showpiece.
However, the Punta Umbria World Cross fourth finisher says he has not given up on the famed green, red and black jersey he last wore in Spain before his results from the men 10,000m Trial for London 2012 Olympics were cancelled after he tested positive for Norandrosterone after a test at the Nationals and banned for two years until July 10, 2014.
“I was expecting to make it to the World Cross but since I didn’t, it does not mean that’s the end of me or I’ve lost hope. I’ve never represented Kenya at the Worlds; it will be a dream come true if I make it,” Kisorio, the 2007 African Junior Champion 5000m and 10,000m told Capital Sport.
Kisorio, who was in Kenya’s team for 2014 Chiba International Ekiden that finished second behind Japan, will compete in three half marathon races abroad ahead of the July Trials for the global event that will be held in August.
The 25-year-old has been keeping his body in shape, winning local races at Ndakaini Half Marathon and Jaramogi Oginga Road Race but will have to work hard as he prepares to face Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Josphat Kipkoech Bett, Peter Kirui and Charles Cheruiyot among others who are likely to vie for the slot.
Kenya will be looking to field a strong men’s 10,000m team as they bid to reclaim the elusive 25-lap title that was last won at the 2001 world outing in Edmonton, Canada by Charles Kamathi.
