Two-time world champion Conseslus Kipruto is set to leave the country for Birmingham after being allowed to run at the Commonwealth Games by Kenya’s NOC.
Sunday’s statement on athlete changes and replacement at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games revealed that the 3000m steeplechase sensation will have to compete at the event.
The final athletics team to the Commonwealth Games was named after trials on June 25, 2022. Thereafter, several changes were made occasioned by different factors with the policy of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) stating that entries are to be made by the 29th June, 2022.
In regards to that, changes made occasioned by medical grounds, covid-19 and doping related matters are allowable. However, any other requested changes outside of this sphere are not allowable.
In this case, the changes which fell under the allowable policy were effected.
However, the change under the 3000m steeplechase (SC) and 800m was made based on non-availability of one athlete and technical reasons for the second.
Conseslus Kipruto who was not available has since accepted to travel to the Games and compete as necessary travel arrangements are being made to facilitate his competing.
Meanwhile, those whose replacements were not accepted, the athletes have been duly informed and continue being part and parcel of Team Kenya.
Kipruto failed to retain his world 3,000m steeplechase title in the just concluded World Athletics Championships in Oregon a few days ago.
He won bronze in his specialty after posting 8:27.92 as Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco and Ethiopia’s Lameck Girman won gold and silver in that order.
After being out of action for two years, Kipruto was contented with the bronze medal. In an Instagram post thereafter, he stated that he has at times struggled with his fitness and mental wellness.
“I have had it rough and there were many moments I struggled with my fitness and mentally. I want to thank my family, my friends, my coach, my fellow athletes, Athletics Kenya, my sponsor Nike, the organizers, my management, and all the fans that kept on supporting me. Because of them, my confidence is back,” he said.