Kenya's Kinyamal primed to succeed Rudisha in athletics

Commonwealth Games 800m champion Wycliffe Kinyamal of Kenya wants to run free from pressure of breaking his mentors Olympic Champion David Rudisha's world record.

The 20-year-old, who is in his third season in top competition, having taken up athletics in 2016, says he is focused on winning titles and not breaking records, reports Xinhua.

"I still have a long way. I have not even met Rudisha in person and that would be my joy," said Kinyamal on Sunday. "The world record is still a dream and I am only focused on running and winning."

The Kenyan has whirled the world into dreaming of the heir to Rudisha, who is struggling with injuries after breaking three world records, won the World Championships and the Olympic Games. Rudisha's current record stands at 1:40.91 and he is the only man to have run under one minute and 41 seconds.

But for Kinyamal, who comes from same village in Kilgoris as Rudisha, (Rudisha moved to Iten), winning the Diamond League trophy and the Africa Athletics Championships in August are top of his priority.

"I want to do well to win the Africa championships. That is more important to me. Then I will see if I can improve on my own personal best time," he added.

--IANS

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