Kimeli was doubling in the 5000m and 10,000m but he failed to live up to expectations in both races.
After his spectacular show at the World Championships National Trials at the Nyayo Stadium, fans had expectations that Nicholas Kimeli would dazzle in the global showpiece staged at the Hungarian capital, Budapest.
Kimeli was doubling in the 5000m and 10,000m but he failed to live up to expectations in both races and missed out on the prize money bracket, let alone a podium finish.
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In the 10,000m, Kimeli faded to finish a disappointing eighth while in the 5000m, the 24-year-old was knocked out in the Heats after he finished 14th.
Daniel Simiu finished second in the 10,000m while Jacob Krop finished third in the 5000m, the only Kenyans who made it to the podium in the two races.
Upon his arrival in the country, Kimeli shared his disappointment and noted that he will do better as he gears up for the Paris Olympics in 2024. Speaking to Nation Sport, he said: “It really hurt me…it was a bitter pill to swallow.
"I just can’t get that performance out of my mind. I know many Kenyans had their hopes in us, especially me but crazy things happened.”
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Kimeli blamed a niggly injury he had been battling and also noted that the weather was not favourable for him.
He disclosed that they trained in the cold weather in Kenya only to head to Budapest where it was generally hot. With no injuries, Kimeli said he has set lofty ambitions for the Olympic Games where he is looking forward to making a mark.
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“I will really need to redeem my image at the Olympics, God willing. Training has gone scientific hence it’s just not a matter of waking up in the morning to run. It will take more than that,” he said.
He also lauded triple world record holder Faith Kipyegon and Mary Moraa for their impeccable performance on the global stage.