Kenya's 800m Star Korir Focus on Africa Championships – Xinhua

NAIROBI, July 31 (Xinhua) – Kenya's Emmanuel Korir performance in London has left many fans dreaming of how fast he can run, but the 23-year-old says this week's African Championships in Asaba, Nigeria, will be a Major test.

The Kenyan excelled at the London Diamond League a week ago clocking a time of 1:42:05 in the men's 800m, which stands out as the fastest in the world since 2012 and puts it sixth on the world -primary list, a front-running exhibition reminiscent of David Rudisha's world record, Olympic gold medal-winning run on the same track

"I accosted Nijel Amos to see if he could run to the forefront 600 meters, but he was telling me that he was not feeling good, "explains Korir.

Amos had run 1:42:14 in Monaco in early July. "I was in love with the race, but I thought, 'no, let's try it: I'm going to hold it." [19659002] Now his focus is on the Africa championships, which starts on Wednesday in Asaba, Nigeria. "Heats, sowing and finals, it will not be easy," says Korir, pondering a rematch with Botswana's Nijel Amos. "1:42 is not satisfying." "If I get some guys who are strong and can push me all the way to the finish line, it will be crazy." Korir won the Kenyan title at the 400m distance.

Korir built a reputation on the US collegiate circuit, where he went on indoor and outdoor NCAA titles. That streak did not stop away from U.S. shores.

First he won the Kenyan trials, beating the likes of 2016 IAAF Diamond League champion Ferguson Rotich, to confirm his spot at the World Championships. Then, on his first IAAF Diamond League debut, he destroyed a world-clbad field by a second in Monaco sizzling to a 1: 43.10, the fastest time of 2017.

But the rounds in London proved to be too difficult. Although he won his heat, in the next day he was born in fourth.

His undefeated season and World Championships campaign were wrecked. Talking from a mbadage table 11 months ago, we could not be more different. "Last year, when I was in London, I was so disappointed … But right now? I think I like it," Korir recalls.