Kenya: Kirwa Starts Favourite in Rome 800 Meters Show

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Stanley Magut

25 May 2011

FORMER world 800m champion Alfred Kirwa Yego says he will take advantage of David Rudisha’s absence to win the 800m event during the Samsung Diamond League in Rome, Italy, tomorrow at the Olympic stadium. Rudisha, the current world 800m record holder, pulled out of the gala citing injury. Kirwa said he will use the Golden League series to prepare for the World championships and All Africa Games. “After the Rome Diamond League, I will travel to Oregon and finally to New York as I build up my speed,” said Kirwa, who spoke on phone from Italy. Kirwa finished third in the 800m in Samsung Grand Prix season opener in Doha early this month in 1.45.17. Olympic 1,500m champion Asbel Kiprop won the race 1.44.74. “A part from claiming a podium finish, I want to improve on my time,” he said. However, Kirwa will have to brace up for hard times as the race has also attracted world champion Mbulaeni Mulaudzi of South Africa, Asbel Kiprop, Boaz Lalang and David Mutua. “I know that the race will feature the bigwigs but I will also have to be very competitive to counter the competition,” he added.

AllAfrica – All the Time