Record holder Cameron Myers set to challenge Kenyan duo in 1500m at World U20 Championships

Record holder Cameron Myers set to challenge Kenyan duo in 1500m at World U20 Championships

Festus Chuma 07:18 - 22.08.2024

Cameron Myers is set to challenge Kenyan athletes in the 1500m at the World U20 Championships in Lima, aiming for gold.

Kenyan duo Collins Koech and Josephat Kipkurui are set to face formidable competition in the men's 1500m race at the upcoming World U20 Championships, which will be held from August 27-31 in Lima, Peru.

Among their challengers is the Australian sensation Cameron Myers whose recent achievements on the track have captured the attention of the athletics world.

Koech and Kipkurui are looking to continue Kenya's dominance in the event. They aim to defend the title last won by their compatriot Reynold Cheruiyot in 2022 in Colombia, where another Kenyan, Daniel Kimaiyo, also clinched bronze.

However, Myers, an 18-year-old prodigy from Canberra poses a significant threat.

He has already made headlines by surpassing some of the records set by former teen prodigy and now dual Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen.

Last year, Myers set a world U18 best of 3:33.26 in the 1500m and broke four minutes for the mile, clocking in at 3:55.44, becoming the second-youngest man to achieve this feat.

In a recent interview from his home in Canberra, Myers shared his thoughts on the upcoming championship.

“I have had quite a few races, and then a period here to reset before I head over to Lima,” he said as per World Athletics.

Myers also reflected on not being selected for the Olympic Games despite his achievements.

“The Olympics didn’t go my way, but I want to make the most of what I do have," he added.

Myers’ approach to racing has evolved through his experiences competing internationally.

“I think the biggest thing is to trust myself and play to my strengths… and not get carried away in the race,” he remarked.

This philosophy was evident in his performance at the Meeting Nikaia in Nice in June, which he regards as his best to date.

“I attacked it and didn’t have any fear of who I was racing,” Myers explained.

While Myers readies himself for what could be his first world title, Koech and Kipkurui are equally determined to make their mark.

The Kenyan runners have been training intensely, focusing on maintaining the legacy of their predecessors.

The World U20 Championships in Lima will not only be a test of speed and endurance but also of mental strength and strategic execution.

Tags: