The 2024 African Games gold medalist Brian Komen believes he has what it takes to finish on the podium at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
In an exclusive interview on Wednesday, Komen said his Diamond League triumph in Doha last Friday was a hallmark of his fledgling career and a testimony to his mastery and huge potential on the track.
Komen made the remarks days after putting up a valiant fight to bag the men’s 1,500m at the Doha Diamond League in an impressive time of 3:32.43.
“It was my first time in a Diamond League and winning in Doha despite the sultry conditions attested to the reality that my body is adapting fast for major competitions,” Komen stated.
“I strongly feel I’m now ready to make the nation proud at the Paris 2024 Olympics. I’m prepared for the contest that lies ahead. Bring it on!”
His performance in Doha heralds his ascent to fame in the 1500m event as he continues to test and surpass some of the greatest in the world.
Komen sent shockwaves across Doha, stunning former World Champion Timothy Cheruiyot who wrapped up second with a season-best time of 3:32.67 and Abel Kipsang who fizzled out to a disappointing 13th finish.
Despite his recent display of athletic prowess, Komen chooses to remain humble, while promising to unravel more pleasant surprises.
“The 1500m race is one of the fiercest competitive events and it would be suicidal for my career if I chose to rest on my laurels. The nature of the competition requires one to be constantly vigilant while looking out for emerging competition,” Komen remarked.
“Kenya brims with immense talent and I have a lot of respect for Abel and Timothy who have both achieved quite a lot before me. I owe them a lot and I believe they have some lessons to offer,” he added.
Komen, 25, first rose to global acclamation in March, following a sterling performance that secured him the gold medal at the 2023 African Games over 1500 metres.
He capped off the master class act with another brilliant show of character that earned him a second-place finish at the Kip Keino Classic on April 20, where he ran a time of 3:32.29. Born on August 10, 1998, Komen traces his roots at Kilima in Chebara, Elgeyo Marakwet county.
He punched the coveted ticket to the African Games during the national trials, where he outclassed the more fancied Abel Kipsang to breast the tape in 3:38.26. His vast wealth of experience includes a second-place finish at the 2024 Sparkassen Indoor Meeting in Dortmund over the distance.