Timothy Cheruiyot seeks redemption in showdown with Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen

Timothy Cheruiyot seeks redemption in showdown with Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen

Festus Chuma 14:10 - 05.07.2024

A clash looms as Timothy Cheruiyot seeks revenge against Jakob Ingebrigtsen.

Olympic silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot is gearing up for a dramatic rematch against Olympic gold medalist Jakob Ingebrigtsen at the upcoming Monaco Diamond League on July 12.

This race is expected to set the stage for their high-stakes encounter during the athletics events at the Olympics, starting August 1 at Stade de France.

In their most recent face-off during the Oslo Diamond League on May 30, Ingebrigtsen barely edged out Cheruiyot securing a win with a world-leading time of 3:29.74.

Cheruiyot followed closely clocking a season-best 3:29.77 which only intensified the rivalry between these two middle-distance powerhouses.

The Oslo race was particularly notable for its dramatic finish as Cheruiyot's intense pressure in the final stretch forced Ingebrigtsen to dive over the finish line to secure his victory.

This intense competition has set the tone for their upcoming race in Monaco, where Cheruiyot is eager to turn the tables.

Earlier this year, Cheruiyot aimed to capture his first Diamond League victory at the Doha meeting but fell short, placing second with a time of 3:32.67 behind Brian Komen's 3:32.43.

Despite these setbacks, Cheruiyot has remained a formidable competitor throughout the season.

Cheruiyot solidified his position on Team Kenya for the upcoming Olympics with a third-place finish in 3:35.90 at the national trials last month.

His preparation and strategic races throughout the season are setting him up as a strong contender for the Olympic gold.

Joining the fray in Monaco will be Brian Komen, who recently triumphed at the African Senior Championship in Douala, clocking 3:33.95.

This meet is not just about individual rivalries but also showcases a breadth of talent from across the globe.

Italian middle-distance runner Pietro Arese who recorded a personal best of 3:32.13 this season is among those looking to make a mark.

British athletes Elliot Giles and Neil Gourley are also ones to watch. Giles, with a season's best of 3:31.06 and a personal best slightly better at 3:30.92, alongside Gourley, who seeks to surpass his personal best of 3:30.60, are both in peak form.

French competitor Azeddine Habz is another top contender, with a season's best close to his personal best of 3:29.26.

Meanwhile, Ingebrigtsen continues to be a formidable force in the field maintaining a season best of 3:29.74.

Other athletes like Niels Laros from the Netherlands and Isaac Nader from Portugal have shown significant promise this season, with Nader matching his personal best of 3:30.84.

Narve Gilje Nordas of Norway and Yared Nuguse from the USA despite not yet hitting their season's peaks are also expected to be competitive.

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