Reigning Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medalist Daniel Simiu is thirsty for national glory at the World Cross Country Championships stage.
Simiu said he is yearning for the national anthem after failing to win a gold medal in the 5,000m at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Simiu, who trains in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet under head coach Erick Kogo, finished second in 5,000m behind Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo at the Commonwealth Games.
He said he has a chance to seal a ticket to the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia when he parades at the national trials this weekend at Prisons Staff Training College.
Athletics Kenya National cross-country trials are set for this Saturday in Ruiru.
“I can't wait to hear the national anthem being sung in my honour. All I am doing in training is to ensure I run well and earn the ticket to Bathurst,” said the reigning Standard Chartered Nairobi Half Marathon champion.
Simiu earned the national trials call-up after winning the Ol Kalou cross-country title and finishing second at the Sotik meeting late last month.
Athletics Kenya had earlier demanded that every athlete competes in at least two local cross-country meetings and finish in the top 12 to qualify for trials.
“The win in Ol Kalou and second in Sotik gave me a chance to compete at the nationals and I am ready for the task ahead,” said Simiu, who is also the Africa 5,000m silver medalist.
He will be competing in the senior men's 10km category alongside World U-20 3,000m steeplechase champion Amos Serem, two-time New York Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor, Commonwealth Games 3,000m steeplechase champion Abraham Kibiwot and world 10,000m silver medalist Stanley Waithaka among others.
“I am always an all-round runner and I cut across the track, road running as well as cross country. This gives me an advantage and endurance to run well,” said Ebenyo.
