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The 20-year-old had been selected to the national team for the World Championships but was yet to hit the qualifying time in the 3,000m SC.
Former World Under-20 3,000m steeplechase bronze medallist Simon Koech went to the Monaco Diamond League Meeting with one mission in mind, to hit the qualifying time for the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
The 20-year-old had been selected to the national team for the World Championships but was yet to hit the qualifying time and Monaco was just the best destination for that.
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08:29 - 22.07.2023
ATHLETICS 'I will be the next world champion' - bullish Omanyala says after Monaco win
Omanyala secured his first win in the Diamond League after narrowly defeating Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo.
He clocked a Personal Best time of 8:04.19 to win the race ahead of compatriot Abraham Kibiwott who clocked 8:09.54. Ethiopia’s Abraham Sime clocked a Personal Best time of 8:10.56.
Koech can now marvel since he is sure of being at the World Championships come August and he will be seeking to wow fans one more time with the scintillating run he displayed in Monaco. The Diamond League Meeting was his first and coming out with such a great achievement will definitely be a memorable moment for the youngster.
During the World Championships National Trials at the Nyayo National Stadium, Koech also proved unbeatable as he cruised to the finish line and showed dust to the oldies.
In a post-race interview at the time, he said his main focus is to bring back the gold medal that Kenya lost to Morocco during last year’s World Championships in Eugene, Oregon. He said: “I want to assure Kenyans that when I go to Budapest, I will bring back the steeplechase title.”
Kenya had maintained the title honours since 2007 but Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali spoilt the party in Oregon.
Koech will enjoy the company of compatriots Kibiwott and Leonard Bett as they go hunting for glory in Budapest.
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08:21 - 22.07.2023
FOOTBALL Mikel Arteta reveals what Thomas Partey has told him about his Arsenal future
The Ghana midfielder has been rumoured to be considering his option following the arrival of Declan Rice
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