Two-time gold medalist Vincent Keter has vowed to make his mark as he prepares to compete in the Elite International Road Mile Race in Rome, Italy, on July 27 this year.
Keter heads into the race with an impressive record, having won gold at the 2019 Africa U18 Championships and the 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships before claiming silver at the 2023 Kenyan National Championships.
The 24-year-old athlete, who specializes in the 800m and 1500m, trains under Kericho-based coach Gabriel Kiptanui, who also serves as the vice chairman of Athletics Kenya (AK) Kericho County Branch.
In an interview with KNA, the seasoned athlete said his confidence ahead of the Rome road mile is anchored on his previous performances.
He finished seventh in the Bowerman Mile at the 2022 Eugene Prefontaine Classic Diamond League, where he clocked a personal best of 3:55.41.
More recently, he posted a personal best of 3:34 in the 1500m at the Athletics Kenya National Track and Field Championships held at the Nyayo National Stadium from June 18 to 20. He also has a personal best of 1:46 in the 800m.
“I was not prepared for the national championships, but I still managed to finish sixth. The race gave me confidence, and I believe I can improve on my performances. I am going to Rome aiming for a medal,” Keter said.
Coach Kiptanui expressed confidence in Keter’s chances, saying the athlete had demonstrated discipline, commitment, and consistency in training ahead of the Rome race. “I am confident Keter will perform well in Rome. He has been disciplined and committed throughout his training, and I believe he is ready to compete at the highest level,” Kiptanui said.
By Sarah Njagi
