World silver medalist Cheruiyot suspends all completion, focus on training

NAIROBI, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- World 1500m silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot of Kenya will not be taking part in any competition until after the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia in April.

Cheruiyot has suspended all competitions in order to focus his energies on polishing his skills and building his endurance despite having dominated the IAAF cross country permit meeting this season. Cheruiyot's focus will now turn to Kenya's trials next month for the Commonwealth Games.

"I won't race before then. I hope to go to the Commonwealth Games," Cheruiyot said on Sunday.

Indeed the quest for a slot in Kenyan team is a cut throat competition that requires athletes to be at their full potential to secure the automatic 1-2 positions in the trials to be named in the team.

The third athlete is always named through wild card, where coaches look at various issues including form, team work and previous performances.

"I want the automatic slot reserved for the first two across the finish line in the Kenyan trials. That is a very hard test and that is why I have to suspend all other competitions so as not to burn out and instead reserve my energies for the Kenyan trials in February," said Cheruiyot.

Cheruiyot and fellow Kenyan Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi took top honours at the 41st Antrim International Cross Country in Greenmount, Ireland on Saturday, the second IAAF Cross Country Permit meeting. The cross country series is made up of seven individual meetings in four different countries.

Chelimo on her part is also suspending her action in cross country to focus on building her speed on track.

"It was tough, but I am happy; this will be my last cross country race in Europe. I've run three now in the build-up to the Commonwealth Games. I have trials for the Games next month and I will run in the 5000," said Chelimo. Enditem