WILSON KIPSANG

BY AYODELE ODUMADE AT THE TOWER HOTEL IN LONDON

The London Marathon, men’s defending champion, Wilson Kipsang is looking forward to successfully defending his title on Sunday. “My main aim is not the world record but retaining the title. For me I am sincerely comfortable because I have been training very well. I think for me it is going to be a fast race. I think it will be more tactical. After the pacemakers turn, we can now start to keep the pace” said Kipsang.

Kipsang is looking to be the fourth person to win a hat-trick of London Marathon titles having won it in 2012 and last year. “I would love to join the London Marathon legends by winning a third title”, said Kipsang who also won a bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympics.

As to whether he gets any help with his race plan he said: “Most of the time I do it myself. I personalize who are my competitors and develop a race plan. It is a different approach.”

After Sunday’s race his attention would turn towards to World Athletics Championships, which take place in Beijing later this year. Qualification is not that simple though due to the timing of the Kenyan Trials, which he has to compete in to qualify. “At the moment I would love to go 100%. In Kenya nothing is straightforward. For the World Championship, if you get confirmation as soon as possible, you can get a clear picture to plan and prepare”.

Growing up in Kenya Paul Tergat was Kipsang’s hero because “He won the World Cross country five times and set a World Record. He is somebody well known to me and he really inspired me so much.”  Kipsang is not planning to leave the sport anytime soon but when he eventually does he said: “When I retire I want to stay in the sport as a coach or a bit of an adviser. I just want to assist in the sport.”

Kenya has recently been getting a lot of adverse publicity due to doping cases and a lack of proper procedure regarding dope tests.  When asked what he would like to see change he said: “What needs to change is an awareness to the athletes about doping and the rules. That would really help us so much. “

He also had some advise to youngsters on the dangers of doping: “It is not good for the sport. It is not good for the athletes.  It is also not good for the whole country. My advice is that the consequences are very tough.  Once you are banned for four years your career is over. It is just a matter of creating awareness, that this is something very serious and it should not be taken lightly.”