Long distance runner Jacob Krop is hopeful 2022 will return better fortunes after a difficult year in which he narrowly missed out on the Tokyo Olympics.
The West Pokot native finished fourth in the men's 5000m at the national trials for Tokyo Olympics on June 19, timing 13:27.86 behind Nicholas Kimeli (13:02.87), Daniel Simiu (13:05.05) and Samuel Chebolei (13:17.43) in first, second and third.
The result put him out of contention for a debut place at the Olympics, two years after he finished sixth in the 5000m at the World Championships in Doha.
"It was quite unfortunate to miss out on the Olympics because I had really wanted to go. I was not in top shape because prior to the trials I had been preparing for my KCSE examinations. However, I am over the pain of not qualifying for Tokyo and I am now focused on the major events next year," Krop said.
Krop managed to atone for the miss with a first place finish at the second edition of Kip Keino Classic at Moi Stadium, Kasarani on September 18 when he clocked 13:23.50.
Kimeli, who finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics, came second in 13:23.99 while Benson Kiplangat timed 13:25.28 in third place.
"This win (Kip Keino Classic) has given me the right foundation for next year. I want to pick up in the same way that I have ended this year. I am now preparing well in advance and if all goes well, I will be part of Team Kenya to the World Championship in Oregon," Krop said.
One week before the World Continental Tour Gold event, Krop gained momentum by setting a personal best of 13:06 in the men's 5k race at the Adizero Roads to Records event in Herzogenaurach, Germany.
In addition, he also finished third in the 5000m at the Zurich Diamond League on September 8 as well as second place at the Oslo Diamond League in July.
Elsewhere, Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Korir was on Wednesday night feted by the Association of National Olympics of Africa during their 40th anniversary celebrations in Abuja, Nigeria.
The U.S-based athlete was among African gold medalists who were honoured for their exploits at the Tokyo games.
Korir won Kenya's first gold medal at the quadrennial games, leading a 1-2 finish with world bronze medalist Ferguson Rotich.
