The Japan-based athlete has revealed how his Nairobi Region Cross Country win has reignited his confidence after past setbacks.
Japan-based Victor Kimosop has credited his victory at the Nairobi Region Cross Country Championships for reigniting his confidence after a disappointing performance in his last outing.
The 21-year-old clocked 30:12.2 in the men’s 10km race, crossing the finish line ahead of Meshack Kimutai (30:36.7) and Betwel Kipsang (30:40.3), who finished second and third respectively.
Kimosop’s win on Friday, at the Nairobi West Prison Grounds, marked a much-needed rebound from his failure to finish the Sinoin Cross Country race earlier this season.
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The pressure to perform was high after the uncharacteristic setback, but Kimosop demonstrated resilience by executing a well-timed race strategy.
“My target is to finish first at my next race, which is the National Cross Country Championships. I will train hard for it because there are certain aspects of my race that I still need to improve, such as speed,” Kimosop said, setting his sights on the upcoming National Cross Country Championships said in an interview with Athletics Kenya.
The youngster is determined to continue pushing forward as he eyes a victory at the national level next month in Eldoret.
During the Nairobi Region race, Kimosop played the long game. Choosing to maintain a steady pace in the middle of the pack, he avoided burning out under the intense heat of the day.
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By the third lap, Kimosop surged to the front, executing the strategy that would ultimately carry him to victory.
“The weather is quite hot although it did not affect me as such. I gave it my all…my plan was to take it easy and then take it away in the last lap,” he said.
His victory also helped to restore his confidence after the uncharacteristic setback at the Sinoin Cross Country race.
His performance on Friday shows that, despite the setbacks, Kimosop is back on track and ready to chase the title at the National Cross Country Championships.
