Kenya’s Michael Kibet might be the man to end the country’s dearth in talent and medal in the 5,000m race at the World Championships in Doha, Qatar, from September 27 to October 6.

Kibet, who turned 20 a week ago and was only a toddler back in 2005 when Kenya won its last gold medal at the world championships in the 12-lap race.

About 14 years ago, Kenya was staring at an embarrassing World Championships in Finland, when Benjamin Limo powered to victory in the 5,000m final to win the country’s only gold in Helsinki.

However, on Thursday, Kibet won Kenya’s trials in Nairobi in 5,000m and will lead the country’s mission to Doha eyeing the gold medal.

“The race was tough and I have since recovered from the injury I picked during the Diamond League in Stanford, USA. The injury was more serious than I thought, but it made me more motivated. I am now looking forward to running against the Ethiopians and Ugandans.” said Kibet on Thursday in Nairobi.

Kibet out-sprinted Daniel Simuyu in the home stretch to win the men’s finals in a fast time of 13:26.83, with Nairobi being at an altitude of 5,889 ft above sea level. Simuyu (13:27.95) claimed to the second position while Nicholas Kimeli was third in 13:29.99.

However, it was another frustrating day for veteran athletes including former World 5,000m silver medalist Caleb Ndiku, Olympic silver medalist Paul Tanui, injured World Junior champion Edward Zakayo who failed to make the cut for the Kenyan teams.

Tanui and Zakayo had failed in their bid to make the 10,000m team and now they will have to wait another year to pull on the Kenya jersey in the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020.

Kibet, who finished third at the Kenyan Championships, recently set a meet record of 13:11.08, when he won the 5,000m race at the Palio della Quercia in Rovereto, Italy on August 27.

His consistency is giving hopes to Kenya coach Julius Kirwa that the country might have got the heir apparent to Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge who won gold in the race at the 2003 Paris World Championships.

“He has a good sprint and has shown consistency here and abroad. I hope he will be strong enough to challenge for medals against the Ethiopians, Ugandan and other Kenyans who have since switched allegiance to either United States or Arab countries.” said Kirwa.