Timothy Cheruiyot is eyeing a strong comeback on the global stage as he prepares for his sixth appearance at the World Championships. The seasoned middle-distance runner is focused on refining his speed over the next month to ensure he is in peak condition for the competition in Tokyo, Japan.
Cheruiyot booked his ticket to Tokyo after finishing second in the 1500m race at the Athletics Kenya trials, just behind the rising star and 2022 world under-20 champion Reynold Cheruiyot. Both athletes secured automatic qualification for the global event, raising hopes for a strong Kenyan showing in the event that has brought the country past glory.
With less than a month to the World Championships, the 2019 gold medallist is optimistic. Injuries have hampered his progress in recent seasons, affecting his performance at the 2022 edition in Eugene and causing him to miss the final in Budapest in 2023. However, the 2025 season looks promising for the former Olympic silver medallist, who says he is now injury-free and more determined than ever.
Cheruiyot began his season with intense training in South Africa, which he credits for enhancing his fitness. His performances in the Diamond League have also shown signs of recovery, including a second-place finish in Rome in the 1500m, and respectable results in Oslo and the Prefontaine Classic.
Having competed at the elite level for a decade, Cheruiyot remains proud of his journey and is eager to help bring back medals for Kenya. He believes that with proper teamwork, the Kenyan contingent can dominate the 1500m event once again.
“I’m so happy because this is my sixth World Championships. Staying in the 1500m for 10 years is not easy, and I’m grateful. We still have time to improve. I will focus on my speed since I already have the endurance. Teamwork is going to be key—we are strong, and if we run together smartly, we can bring our medals back home,” he said after the trials.
With a strong mix of experience and youthful talent in Kenya’s middle-distance squad, all eyes will be on Cheruiyot to lead by example and potentially reclaim the 1500m crown in Tokyo.
