Oh Asbel Kiprop, how we’ve missed you.

Whether it was gliding to a near World record in Monaco or toying with a deep field in London, the Kenyan was a man among boys in the 1500m last season, and now we know where we’ll see his undeniable loping stride first on the 2016 Diamond League calendar— Doha on May 6th. We’re just 37 days away! I can hardly wait.

Watching Kiprop— who won his third straight World title last summer in Beijing— break countless tactical rules and still throttle mega-elite fields is as entertaining as it is mystifying, and the Diamond League opener will be his first chance this season to potentially humiliate a world class cast of characters.

Of course, Kiprop isn’t above going MIA in races as he’ll completely bungle his tactics from time-to-time by falling asleep when moves start happening. But if he’s focused on May 6th, this deep field should buckle to his superiority.

Asbel Kiprop, post-World title #3:



Among the challengers in Doha will be fellow Kenyan Elijah Manangoi (3:29.67 PR), the silver medalist in Beijing, who gained respect and fame for declaring his intention to consume celebratory goat’s blood after the World Championships. Imagine if he was to beat Kiprop here.

Elijah Manangoi told us about his celebration plans after his silver in Beijing:



Another Kenyan, Silas Kiplagat, has disappointed in his last three global championship finals, but his 3:27.64 is second-best in this field behind only Kiprop. 2016 will be a big year for Kiplagat to shed his un-clutch reputation for disappearing in big races.

Ayanleh Souleiman has exited the last two World Championships with injury, but the guy can fly when healthy. He set the 2:14 1k World record this winter and has 1:42 800m and 3:47 mile range. I would expect him to be much closer to that form than what we saw two weeks ago in Portland.

So much talent! And it’s just over a month away!

Man I love the Diamond League.