Kipruto chuffed at making IAAF best five for award

The 19-year old had a fabulous season in which he won the U-20 men’s race at the Africa Cross Country championships in Chlef, Algeria in March.

In July, Kipruto once again showcased his heroics when he won the 10,000m race at the World U-20 Championships in Tampere, Finland.

Apart from winning Kenya’s second gold medal in the competition, Kipruto also set a Championship Record of 27:21.08 erasing the previous record of 27:25.23 set by his compatriot Rodgers Chumo in 2016.

The Iten-based athlete would later miss the World Record by a whisker at the Prague Grand Prix 10Km race in September when he clocked 26:46 , falling short of Leonard Komon’s WR of 26:46 by two seconds.

Despite enjoying a breakthrough campaign, Kipruto did not foresee a nomination for the prestigious award.

“First of all it’s an honor for the IAAF to select me for the award. I would like to thank God and my coaches because for sure I did not expect to be shortlisted. Irrespective of the result, this will motivate me further in the coming season,” said Kipruto.

Kipruto will however fight for the annual award with other four contestants including Selemon Barega of Ethiopia who holds the World U20 record in 5000m as well as Cuban triple jumper Jordan Diaz.

Also in the mix are the duo of Paul vaulter Armand Duplantis of Sweden and  middle-distance runner Jakob Ingebrigsten of Norway.

The winner of the award will be announced on December 4 in Monaco, France.