After setting a new Olympic record of 3:31.65, Abel Kipsang says it will be a medal or nothing for him when he lines up for the men's 1500m final on Saturday.
Kipsang, who broke Noah Ngeny's previous record of 3:32.07 — set at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 — said his win in the second semi has done wonders for his confidence.
"I feel so good; before, I was not sure I could make it to the semis but here I am on my way to the final. I will give it my all in the final to see to it that I get a medal. It may not be gold but my minimum target is to make it to the podium," Kipsang said.
The Mt Elgon-born sprinted away in the last lap to overcome a star-studded field, which included Norwegian Jakob Ingebrigsten and Olympic champion Matthew Centrowitz of the United States.
The 20-year old Norwegian clocked 3:32.13 to finish second whereas Briton Josh Kerr timed 3:32.18 in third.
Despite this milestone, Kipsang realises that the final will be a different cup of tea especially now that he has announced himself on the global stage.
"I know that it will be a very competitive and difficult final because of the calibre of runners in the event. We have the likes of our very own Timothy (Cheruiyot) as well as Jakob. Everyone will want to win a medal. Nonetheless, I am ready to take the fight to them," he said.
Meanwhile, world 1500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot says he is saddened by fellow countryman's Charles Simotwo's failure to qualify for the final.
"It is quite unfortunate he couldn't be able to join us for the final. He had a tooth problem, which had to be removed and so by the time for the semis, he was a a bit tired," Cheruiyot said.
The Commonwealth 1,500m silver medalist finished third in the first semi, timing 3:33.95 behind winner, Britain's Jake Wightman (3:33.48) and American Cole Hocker (3:33.87) in second.
Cheruiyot had led the majority of the three-and-three-quarter lap race before losing steam in the last bend. Nonetheless, he said his only focus was to make the final.
"My aim was to qualify for the final and so am thankful for that. The final is anyone's race because we have the likes of Jakob and Kipsang who has just set an Olympic record. I hope it will be a fast race," he said.
Asked about a potential sizzling rivalry with Ingebrigsten in the final, Cheruiyot, who has enjoyed an unbeaten streak against the Norwegian so far, said he would work hard not to lose to him.
