Half marathon world record holder Kandie eyeing 10,000m at Tokyo 2020 Monday, 11 January 2021
Kenya s half marathon world record holder, Kibiwott Kandie, has announced his intention to compete in the 10,000 metres at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, eyeing a medal.
He will look to end Kenya s long run without an Olympic gold in the men s 10,000m, which dates all the way back to the Mexico City 1968 Games thanks to the efforts of Naftali Temu.
Kenya has not won the 10,000m world gold in 20 years, since Charles Kamathi was victorious in Edmonton in 2001.
Kandie looks to end that streak at the Games, but will face competition from Uganda s 5,000m and 10,000m world record holder Joshua Cheptegei.
“He came to the Athletes Village in Edmonton, booked an appointment with our head coach and approached me. I felt it was a good idea and, more importantly, he was a volunteer. Our officials sought confirmation from Canadian authorities to ensure he was a genuine doctor. He was running a dental clinic,” he said.
Kamathi s teeth were affected by water with high fluoride when he was young. This also messed up his gums.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest developments and special offers!
He said he was grateful that through athletics, he can afford a handsome smile and perhaps that helped him get enlisted into National Police Service, where dental care is a consideration.