Doha: The opening 800m race of the IAAF Diamond League season here will more than one way prepare Kenyan Asbel Kiprop and Ethiopian Mohammed Aman for the world championships.
The race will be a perfect chance for fans worldwide to enjoy in the battle of two great runners – two reigning World Champions from Moscow 2013, Kiprop, who won the 1500m, and Aman, the 800m victor.
The Africans, who were among the biggest stars two years ago, are looking forward to the start of the Diamond Race at Qatar SC Stadium today, which will be the perfect base for the main goal of both – defending their global titles at the 2015 World Championship in Beijing.
“I expect very tough competition in Doha, that is why I am happy to be here,” said the 25-years old Kiprop, the 2008 Olympic champion who won his first of two world 1500m titles in 2011.
The three-time winner of the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Doha will try for a repeat of his success from 2011 when he won 800m race despite the fact that it isn’t his favorite discipline. “I am not an 800m runner, but I am glad to be a part of the competition,” said Kiprop, who holds the meeting record in the 1500m at 3:29.18.
“All the athletes here are the big names with good personal records. This race will help me to gain confidence but also the speed for my main discipline. I considered that this is a better option for me than going to Shanghai (for the first Diamond Race 1500m race) at this moment.”
The biggest aim is the golden “hat-trick” at the main event this season – the World Championship in Beijing which will be held in August, but not only that.
“I want to run faster than the last year,” said Kiprop, when asked if it was possible to break the 3:26.00 world record in the event set by Hicham El Guerrouj.
Meanwhile, 21-year-old Aman is hungry for more.
“My main season’s goal is to win the Diamond race for the third time, that is on the line with my ambition in Doha,” said the Ethiopian. THE PENINSULA
