Reynold Cheruiyot (L) and Timothy Cheruiyot (R) compete at the National championships at Nyayo stadium/ TEDDY MULEI
World 1,500m bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot aims to secure his first Diamond League victory of 2026 when he debuts at the Paris Meeting this weekend.
The 21-year-old has endured a mixed campaign on this year’s Diamond League circuit, securing just one podium finish so far.
He launched his season in Shanghai over 3,000m, finishing second in 7:26.11 behind Germany’s Mohamed Abdilaahi (7:25.77) and ahead of Sweden’s Andreas Almgren (7:26.48). However, Cheruiyot’s form took an unexpected dip after that race.
“After running in Shanghai my body and form went down but at the moment I see my form is improving and responding well,” Cheruiyot revealed.
He disclosed that illness contract after the season opener played a major role in his slump.
“The weather in China may have affected me because after coming from there I fell ill and my body felt heavy but now I am glad that I am returning to form.”
In subsequent races, he finished seventh in the Rabat 1,500m (3:32.00) behind American Yared Nuguse (3:30.35), and ninth in the Oslo Mile (3:49.72), which was won by compatriot Timothy Cheruiyot (3:48.21).
Despite these setbacks, he remains bullish about rediscovering his top gear this weekend, noting: “I am optimistic of good results to come in my next races. I promise to give my best.”
The 2022 World U20 1,500m champion showed strong signs of resurgence at last weekend’s National Championships, which also served as the Commonwealth Games trials.
He finished second in 3:32.35 to finish second in a race won by Timothy Cheruiyot (3:32.28) with Brian Komen third (3:32.60).
He described the event as a valuable gauge of his readiness, adding: “The race was very tactical and everyone was very strong. There was a lot of pressure but I am thankful I finished second.”
While this weekend marks his first time competing at the Paris Diamond League, Cheruiyot boasts extensive racing experience in France. In 2022, he finished third in the 1,500m at the Meeting d’Athletisme (3:42.96) and won an 800m race at the Epreuves Ouvertes Meeting (1:49.64).
In 2023, he won the Lille 5km road race in 13:21 and the Meeting Stanislas Nancy 1,500m in 3:31.60. The following year, he successfully defended his Lille 5km title, lowering his time to 13:16.
At the Paris Meeting, Cheruiyot will flex muscles against a competitive field that includes Niels Laros of the Netherlands, Frenchman Azeddine Habz, Britain’s Jake Wightman, and Australia’s Cameron Myers.
