A welcome spectator at Sunday's 22nd Almond
Blossom Cross Country in Vilamoura, Portugal, was Wilson
Kipketer, reigning world champion and world record holder in the
800m. Kipketer has just resumed gentle training after being laid
low with a bout of malaria he contracted on a visit to Kenya.
He intends to remain in Portugal, where he is training alongside
Burundi's Venuste Nyongabo, until March when he will be going to
Monte Carlo to participate in a special coaching programme for
youngsters co-sponsored by the International Athletic Foundation
and Zepter. He has no immediate plans to compete indoors this
season and says that he is looking forward to participating in
the new IAAF Golden League series, which will start on 14 July
with the Rome Golden Gala. Assuming he is back to last year's
amazing form by the start of the series, Kipketer will doubtless
be one of the hot favourites for the Golden League's million
dollar jackpot.