Trailblazing Reynold Cheruiyot faces stern test at LA Grand Prix

ATHLETICS Trailblazing Reynold Cheruiyot faces stern test at LA Grand Prix

Abigael Wafula 05:40 - 26.05.2023

The duo has not clashed at any event since the season started and the Grand Prix will be the first.

Reigning world under-20 1500m champion Reynold Cheruiyot is set to light up the LA Grand Prix scheduled for Friday, May 26, and Saturday at the Drake Stadium in Los Angeles, USA.

The youngster will not have an easy run though, since the race has attracted some of the greatest mile runners including compatriot Timothy Cheruiyot. The Cheruiyot duo has not clashed at any event since the season started and the Grand Prix will be the first. They will be competing over the mile.

During the Kip Keino Classic, Reynold had no pressure as he cruised smoothly to take the 1500m crown since Cheruiyot was battling it out with the 800m specialists.

Cheruiyot said competing over the 800m at the continental event was to help him gain speed and he will be hoping to upset. He has been battling injuries in the recent past but from the look of things, he is back to his usual exploits.

Cheruiyot opened his season with a 3000m race at the Diamond League Meeting in Rabat where he finished fifth. He then finished third at the Kip Keino Classic over the 800m.

On his part, Reynold will be making his debut over the mile and will bid to extend his hot streak. He has been in impeccable form since the season started.

He finished second in the junior race at the World Cross-country championships in Bathurst, Australia and the 5km race at the Semi Marathon in Lille.

The 18-year-old reigned supreme at the Africa U18/20 Championships and Kip Keino Classic. He definitely goes into the race with confidence.

The duo will be joined by another youngster, 21-year-old Vincent Keter, who is also a potential threat. Keter is the 2021 world under-20 1500m champion and he goes into the race after a mixed season. He will also be looking for a win.

Most opposition will come from Joshua Thompson and John Gregorek who will be competing on home soil. Thompson and Gregorek are experts in the mile and will be using their experience to upset the Kenyans.

Thompson is the second fastest in the field behind Cheruiyot and he will be looking for the first win since he opened his season. On his part, Gregorek goes into the race poised for top honours since his dominant win at the Oregon Relays.

Ethiopia’s Tolesa Bodena will also be making his debut over the mile and will be keen to upset the seniors when he lines up. He will be Ethiopia’s sole representative at the event.

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