“One more time I want to give everything I have left in my legs,” Kevin said during a press meeting in the athlete’s hotel. “This has been a tough season with heavy emotions and heavy physical exertion. Everyone knows the story. I got injured at the start of the year, then I worked very hard for two months to make the European championships. And then those incredible emotions and rewards followed with a gold and silver medal in Berlin.
“I was completely exhausted after running so many races in just a few days. Now, two weeks later, I am still feeling that heavy load, but with the amazing atmosphere in the stadium everything will be fine. Why wouldn’t I be able to dip below 45 seconds and run my best time of the year? That won’t be my main goal. I just want to give everything for the fantastic crowd."
Twin brother Jonathan won’t take part on Friday. “I am going to pass, rather than risking a severe injury or running a poor race,” he explained. “After Berlin I ran in Birmingham as well. From the inside lane I finished sixth. The winner clocked a 45:45. That means everyone disappointed there.”
“I rested for a full week to let my tormented body recover, but it barely helped. The past few days I felt like I was running at 80 percent of my powers. Then you know there’s no point in taking the start on Friday. It was a difficult decision after a difficult season."
28 August, 2018
