Kenya's Kipruto to skip World Indoor focuses on Commonwealth Games

NAIROBI, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- World and Olympic 3,000m steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto has ruled himself out of the World Indoor Championships saying he will only compete in the Commonwealth Games and the IAAF Diamond League.

Kipruto, however noted that his participation in cross country is meant to build his endurance as he launches his season.

"I will not be running in the World Indoor Championships. I was in Europe for cross country and have no intention of running the indoor circuit," Kipruto said on Wednesday evening during the 2017 Safaricom Sports Personality of the Year (SOYA) gala in Nairobi.

However, despite failing to be named Kenya's best athlete after winning in his specialty at the Rio Olympics and World Championships, Kipruto remained confident his chance will come in the future.

"I know my body and if I continue with the winning trajectory exhibited in the last two seasons, it will come without a fight," he said.

Kipruto, despite excelling in the water and hurdles competition at the global stage, failed to convince the panel of selectors to crown him Kenya's best with compatriot Paralympian Samuel Muchai claiming the title.

"I will be named Kenya's best soon. I want to focus on winning in Commonwealth Games and then the IAAF Diamond League and from there relax to wait for the 2019 season where we will have the World Championships," said Kipruto. Enditem