‘Donkey-work’ over, Langat eyes Olympics

Not even a nasty contact with a fleeing donkey that left him with a broken leg could stand in the way of Clement Langat’s rise to the top of continental cross country running.

And now, the new Africa Cross Country Championships’ title holder is still amazed by his victory.

Langat almost despaired when he stayed away from the track for 10 months while nursing a broken leg after the encounter with the donkey while training in Eldoret.

After recuperating, the 2010 World Cross Country Championships junior silver medallist left for Japan to try and rediscover his form before returning home.

He failed to qualify for the last weekend’s Africa Cross Country Championships during the national trials but was handed a lifeline after the winner at the trials, fellow Japan-based star Bedan Karoki, withdrew.

“I can describe the 10 months that I was nursing the injury as ‘terrible.’ I almost gave up but there was a strong drive that encouraged me to go on,” Langat said on Tuesday upon arrival from his triumphant trip to the second continental championships in Cape Town.

“Then came the second chance,” he added. Langat, 23, was in the Kenyan squad that arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport yesterday from the Cape where they won six out of eight gold medals on offer.

“The whole scenario strengthened my resolve and mental frame and that is why I was able to stay ahead of the park to triumph,” the new Africa champion said.

“I just felt strong as I charged past my rivals to win and it really surprised me. You can only thank God for it, since one day you are on a medical bench and the other one you are holding a gold medal.”

That is the perseverance that Langat wants to embrace as he now targets the London Olympic Games.

“I have seen I am a strong and I got the endurance to go for the 5,000m instead of 1,500m in London,” said Langat.

The new Africa women’s 8km champion, Joyce Chepkirui, who is also the national cross country champion, said her charge to the top is “unstoppable.”

Chepkirui, 22, the All Africa Games 1,500m silver medalist, sounded a clear warning ahead of the London Olympic Games where she intends to compete in 10,000m.

“I’m in good shape having won both the national and Africa titles within a month,” said Chepkirui, who attributed their senior women’s top four sweep to superlative team work.

World champ focused

World junior champion Faith Chepng’etich said the world is yet to see the best of her after she snatched the Africa title with ease.

Chepng’etich, also the World Youth 1,500m champion, is not even dreaming about the London Olympic Games.

Next on line for the form one student at Winners Girl Secondary School in Keringet is the World Junior 10,000m title at the July 10 to July 15 championships in Barcelona.

“I hope God keeps me in good shape and health,” said Chepng’etich. The team’s head coach, Samson Katam, praised his charges for a job well.

“The performance was incredible since we presented a small team of four in every event as compared to six last year.

“There were also many countries as compared to last year and competition was stiff especially in men’s races,” said Katam.

“I should also thank Kenyans for their prayers and support.”