Kenya Star Cybrian Kotut Identifies American Marathoner to Challenge East African Dominance After Boston Marathon Heroics

Kenyan star Cybrian Kotut has identified American runner Connor Mantz as the next marathoner to challenge the East African dominance.

This comes on the back of Mantz’s strong showing at the Boston Marathon on April 21.

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The American kept up with the leading trio of Kotut, eventual champion John Korir, and Tanzania's Alphonce Simbu.

When Korir broke from the group, Mantz kept up with Kotut and Simbu, nearly securing a podium finish.

Mantz clocked 2:05:08, just behind Kotut and Simbu in third and second respectively, with 2:05:04, as Korir claimed the day with a time of 2:04:45.

The Boston Marathon bronze medalist felt the pressure from the American first-hand.

Post-race, Kotut opened up on the danger posed by Mantz, admitting he was wary of him.

"Yeah, you know, that guy (Connor Mantz) is amazing. That guy is a very strong guy. So I knew — I've been watching him running in the Olympics, in New York — and I knew he's a very strong athlete, especially strong-minded," said Kotut via FloTrack, hailing the American.

"So I knew he wouldn't just give in like that. In my mind, I was like, let me be sure. I had enough energy to try and push, but I wasn’t sure. So I said, maybe let me wait for a few meters so that we can contend," he added.

Mantz was among those tipped to challenge the East African dominance at the 129th edition of the Boston Marathon, and the American did not disappoint.

Having missed out narrowly on a podium finish, the American marathoner will be eyeing another go to get America in the mix.