Reynold Cheruiyot (second left), Brian Komen and Timothy Cheruiyot compete at the national trials/ HANDOUTWorld Under-20 1,500m champion Reynold Cheruiyot has brushed off the threat of world champion Josh Kerr of Britain and Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway, saying Kenya is ready to reclaim its long-lost glory in the men’s three-lap race at the World Championships in Tokyo in September.
Despite a recent medal drought at the world championships — with the last podium finish coming through Timothy Cheruiyot’s gold in Doha 2019 — Kenya remains the most decorated nation in the event at the World Championships with 12 medals (five gold, six silver and one bronze).
The golden era began in 2011 with Asbel Kiprop’s triumph in Daegu.
Kiprop extended that dominance with back-to-back titles in Moscow 2013 and Beijing 2015 before Elijah Manangoi took over in London 2017.
Timothy dominated Doha in 2019 before Kenya’s grip loosened.
At the last two editions, Kenyan athletes were shut out of the podium.
In 2022, Britain’s Jake Wightman shocked the field to win in 3:28.23, ahead of Ingebrigtsen (3:29.47) and Spain’s Mohamed Katir (3:29.90).
Kerr stormed to the world title in Budapest 2023 with a 3:29.38 finish, outkicking Ingebrigtsen (3:29.65) and fellow Norwegian Narve Gilje Nordas (3:29.68) in a thrilling final.
But Reynold insists those fireworks won't intimidate Team Kenya in Tokyo.
He forms the Kenyan team of three alongside Timothy Cheruiyot and teenage sensation Phanuel Koech.
"We can redeem ourselves on the world stage because we have studied their tactics now," said Reynold. "Over a week ago, Phanuel beat Kerr in the 1,500m, so we are confident."
Koech pulled off a surprise win over Kerr at the London Diamond League on July 19, clocking 3:28.82.
Kerr settled for second in 3:29.37, while Portugal’s Isaac Nader finished third in 3:31.55.
Kerr has produced mixed results this season. He kicked off his 2025 season with a fifth-place finish in (3:35.61) at the Kingston Grand Slam in Jamaica.
He followed it up with a 3:34.52 victory at the Miami Grand Slam. He won the Philadelphia Slam 3:34.44.
Ingebrigtsen is yet to feature in an outdoor 1,500m race since winning the World Indoor title in March.
Kenya will bank on youth, experience and renewed tactical discipline. Reynold believes specialised training will help them execute in Tokyo.
