Olympic postponement a blessing for Kenyan Manangoi

While the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics would have come as a blow to the global athletics community, for Kenya’s Elijah Manangoi it may just have a silver lining.

A hamstring injury kept Manangoi from advancing from his 1500m heat at the Rio Olympics four years ago. He took the world title the following year in London but another injury sustained last August, this time a stress fracture, sidelined him from defending his World Championship title in Doha.

The Tokyo Olympic postponement might actually work in the 27-year-old Kenyan’s favour, offering another year to fully mend and better prepare for his Olympic title quest.

Speaking from his home in Ntulele, Narok County, about 131km from Nairobi, Manangoi told the Daily Nation: “I was looking forward to the event this year after having fully recovered but again, the postponement gives me a chance to prepare better.”

“If normalcy resume it could be late this year where one can only take part in two or three events. For me it gives me an extra year to prepare hence it will definitely help me build up well towards the Olympics but also the 2022 World Championships.”

“Winning that precious Olympic medal will feel good as it will set the stage to recapture my world title. We can only pray for good health and form from God.”

Despite not being able to train in groups to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, Manangoi is staying sharp with no fewer than three training sessions per day starting with a run on the road at 5.30 am.

“Practicing social distancing is for the good of us all and the best thing to do at the moment.

“I then take a short rest before embarking on the treadmill that is in the house for an intense run of 45 minutes to 1 hour before embarking on normal stretches and exercises.

“I finish the day with another 50 minutes on the treadmill in the evening before having supper and a good night rest at 9.30 pm.”

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo