NAIROBI, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Olympic javelin silver medalist Julius Yego has turned his focus on the Tokyo Olympics after failing to defend his title at the World Championships, which ended last week in Doha, Qatar.
Kenya's team captain Julius Yego failed to make a mark in the first three attempts in the Men's Javelin final. But he will pick himself up ahead of the Tokyo Games.
"It's just bad luck, and that is part of sports. It is not uncommon in javelin. There is nothing to worry about," Yego said. "I will be ready for the Olympics."
Granada's Anderson Peters hurled the javelin 86.89 meters in his fourth attempt to top the world, edging out Diamond League Trophy winner Magnus Kirt from Estonia, who settled for silver.
"My throw went off the field but it can be the leading mark. It's just that it went outside," Yego said.
Four years ago at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, Yego threw a distance of 92.72m to become the world champion.
For world 1,500m silver medalist Faith Kipyegon, her loss of title was down to a late injury which she picked in the final straight.
"I got injured and it slowed me down," she said. "I sustained an injury with 50m to the finish line."
Kenya's Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, however, lauded Kipyegon sacrifice to hold on to finish second.
"It was a rare show of courage that faith held on to the end. We pray for her quick recovery and will support her treatment until she's fit to train again," Mohamed said.
Youngster Rhonex Kipruto is happy with his bronze medal in the 10,000m race, saying he has a lot to run after his first World Championships.
The 19-year-old lost out to experienced Ugandan Joshua Cheptegei and Ethiopian Yomif Kajelcha. "This medal has motivated me to do better next year. The opponents were very strong and experienced, but even with their sprint, I ended up right behind them," Kipruto added.
Kenya retained its second overall position, winning five gold, two silver and four bronze medals. And the United States still topped the tally.
