Kipchoge says Kenya's marathon team can sweep all medals in London
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E-mail Xinhua, July 27, 2017
NAIROBI, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya has given his approval of the Kenya team to the world championships in London saying they are capable of making a clean sweep of the medals.
Kipchoge, who opted not to travel to London as he chases his dream of breaking the world record in Berlin in September, said Thursday the country has a huge reservoir of talent and anybody picked to make the team has what it takes to rule the world.
"Despite me not making the team, the squad is strong. My absence will not change anything. They have strong minds, bodies and what is required for them to win the marathon gold medal. I believe in them. With combined efforts they are likely to sweep the first three places. I know they will deliver and I wish them all the best," he said.
Kenya team is made up of Daniel Wanjiru, winner in April London marathon, Boston Marathon champion Geoffrey Kirui and Gideon Kipketer, the Tokyo Marathon silver medalist.
Kipchoge will be racing in the Berlin Marathon next month together with compatriot Wilson Kipsang eyeing to shutter Dennis Kimetto's 2:20:57 world record.
Kipchoge ran in Monza, Italy in May finishing in 2:00:25, two and a half minutes faster than world record.
However, his time will not enter the record books because he was helped by a phalanx of 30 elite pacers, who subbed in and out of the race, which is against the official rules of the sport's governing body, the International Association of Athletics Federations.
Kipchoge mission was sponsored by Nike to run under two hours.
Kenya missed claiming any medals at the Beijing World Championships in 2015 with Eritrea's Ghirmay Ghebreslassie claiming gold ahead of Yemane Tsegaye of Ethiopia and Uganda's Munyo Solomon Mutai.
The top Kenyan was Mark Korir who finished in position 22. Now the Kenya's young team is keen to make amends in London. Enditem
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