Banned legendary Kenyan athlete, Asbel Kiprop, on Sunday, February 23 announced his decision to pursue a professional career in motorsports.
The former World and Olympic champion over 1500 metres disclosed that he would be working with veteran rallying personality Abdul Sidi who runs the Abdul Sidi rallying academy.
Before Kiprop confirmed the news on his page, Sidi had taken to Facebook to reveal how Kipchoge approached him seeking to kick-start his new career.
Sidi shared a text message sent by Kiprop, revealing the embattled athlete's desire to be the first accomplished track athlete to complete a successful switch to rallying.
"Kiprop, whom I first met in Eldoret in 2013 during one of the ASRA sessions is determined to make history as the first-ever world renowned Athlete to become a rally driver. Before chatting on the phone he sent me this message:
"Hi Abdul, My name is Asbel Kiprop. Olympic & World 1500m Champion. I desperately want to change my career. I want to race. I really wanna make a change. It will be nice to be the first Olympic & World champion in athletics to try motorsport. I really wanna learn alot from you. ?? I'm looking forward to this career. After walking, you run, after running, you drive. ??," Sidi wrote.
Kiprop later took to his page addressing his burning ambition to sit in the cockpit, stating that he hoped to be a good student under Sidi.
"Abdul Sidi, coach of my next sport. I hope it works out. Motorsport coming soon. The champion in me is what will drive the car," he shared.
Kiprop was banned by World Athletics for a four-year period in April 2019 after testing positive for banned substances in November 2017.
The famed athlete, however, maintained his innocence reiterating that he always ran clean.
On social media, Kenyans congratulated Kiprop for his new venture as they wished him success in the world of motorsports.
"Awesome.. Go for it champ.. I remember in one of the interviews you said you would love to try rallying and steeplechase," wrote former Supersport producer Michelle Katami.
"You are ready to go sir, I support you on this big time," wrote Alex Keles.
"I believe the success Asbel achieved on track will translate behind the wheel. Asbel Kiprop Let the rubber burn!" shared Matthew Dempsey.
"Fighters never fall and sleep, they live to fight again. I know you will be a champion in that too. May God guide you in your new field," urged Getrude Shirley.
Kiprop, however, revealed that he would not abandon the track with his ban set to expire in 2022.
"I will run still. Nothing prevents a motorsport driver from running," the lanky athlete wrote in response to a worried fan.
