Kipyegon eyes Tokyo gold ahead of return to training

NAIROBI -- Olympic 1,500m champion Faith Kipyegon will be on the warpath as she prepares to defend her title at this year's Games in Tokyo, Japan in August.

Kipyegon, who lost out to the Netherlands' Sifan Hassan at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, says she was happy with her performance having returned six months earlier from maternity leave.

Now with a proper pre-season preparation for 2020, Kipyegon has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of the duo's clash at the Tokyo Games.

"Last year Hassan was riding high in top form. She had planned her races well and she did well. She even ran a fast time to claim the world record over the mile distance," Kipyegon said on Thursday.

"I expect this year to be different from 2019 because I had a very short time to prepare for the World Championships from a maternity break. But with a good build-up for the Tokyo Olympics, I know I will be stronger," the Kenyan added.

In her best form prior to her maternity leave, the 25-year-old only suffered three defeats in 14 finals between 2016 and 2017. The diminutive Kenyan was unquestionably the world's leading woman over 1,500m during those two seasons, a tag she is keen to reclaim in 2020.

"I have the focus and it is an Olympic year. It is my main goal to retain my title in Tokyo. I have already resumed my build-up exercises to make sure that I make the team because everyone is also eyeing tickets to Tokyo," said Kipyegon.

To make sure she hits her targets, Kipyegon has switched camp from Nakuru to Eldoret, where she has signed up with Global Sports Communication, the same firm that manages World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge.

Kipyegon has also opted to switch coaches from Bram Som, the 2006 European 800m champion, to join Patrick Sang, former Olympic silver medalist in the steeplechase.

"It made sense to join Patrick because I now live in Eldoret," said Kipyegon. "I knew Patrick before I came here and Bram and Patrick still talk to one another about my training. To be honest, my training now is quite similar to what it was before. I really enjoy being with Patrick; he is a really nice person and a caring coach."

With eyes on edging out Sifan Hassan, Kipyego believes with good training she will achieve her goal. The pair clashed at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar with the in-form Hassan winning out as Kipyegon settled for silver.

This year's Olympic Games will run from July 24 to Aug 9.