Cheruiyot, the Olympic Games silver medallist, noted that growing up, his mentor was always Kipchoge.
The 2019 World 1,500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot is one of the most decorated Kenyan athletes but that did not happen overnight, it took time and guidance from mentors including world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge.
Cheruiyot, the Olympic Games silver medallist, noted that growing up, his mentor was always Kipchoge and from the four-time Berlin Marathon champion, he has learnt a lot from his humility to his exploits on the track and roads.
“Growing up, my role model was Eliud Kipchoge and he’s passed on lessons to me and so many other athletes about how to be disciplined," Cheruiyot said as per World Athletics.
"He’s a humble guy, a friend, and we spent time together traveling to the Olympics. What was the chief lesson? Focus on training, and you will achieve.
In 2015, Cheruiyot made his international debut and at the time, he attested that he did not have confidence but after the events, he gained experience from most of his opponents.
“After 2015, I learned more from my colleagues about how to run the 1,500m, and I gained confidence and experience," he added.
"I used to watch old races on YouTube, learning more about how to run championships.
"I kept getting better and better: silver at the World Championships in 2017, and gold in 2019. I didn’t change anything, but just put in the work under the guidance of (coach) Bernard Ouma."
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Heading into the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Cheruiyot is looking to reclaim his title despite the tough competition that awaits him. He has been battling a series of injuries but now he is ready to conquer.