Devan Kipyego is June Athlete of the Month

Devan Kipyego (St Raphael Academy, Pawtucket RI) is the USATF-New England (USATF-NE) Athlete of the Month for June 2022.  The high school junior started off the month by winning the 800m (1:51.32, meet record) and 1500m (3:57.88) and placing second in the 3000m (8:40.64) at the Rhode Island HS state championship. On June 15, he traveled west to the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle, Washington where he placed third in the 1 mile, his time of 4:00.64 being the fastest ever run by a New England high school competitor; his 1500m split was 3:44.34.  Devan then took a 'red eye' back to the east coast for the weekend's New Balance Nationals in Philadelphia where he won the 2000m steeplechase (5:48.15) and ran the 1600m leg on the Saints' Distance Medley Relay. 

USATF-New England spoke to Devan and to his coach, Chris Magill, about his performances this spring.

Questions for Devan:
USATF-NE: What got you interested in running, and what keeps you going?
DK: My brother was my biggest inspiration to run every day. Knowing I can grow to the next level of competition helps me keep focused.

USATF-NE: How does it feel to have the#4 all-time high school performance and a New England record in the 2000m steeplechase?
DK: It feels good. I only ran the steeple once before this year and I didn’t have the best form. But knowing next year I could really break the national record.

USATF-NE: What was it like to race in the mile at Brooks PR meet in whichi the results were extremely tight?
DK: The race was very exciting, Just knowing that I was competing at such a high level brought my confidence up and helped me see that I can be the best in the country.

USATF-NE: How have you matched your training to meet your needs?
DK:  Having a really good workout builds confidence going into my races.

USATF-NE: Who are your biggest inspirations and role models?
DK: Definitely my brother. I’ve seen him accomplish so much and I believe I can do the same

USATF-NE: Outside of running, what are your favorite hobbies?
DK: I enjoy bowling, hanging out with friends, and playing Rainbow Six Siege.

USATF-NE: What are you looking forward to about your senior year?
DK: Trying to break records and win national titles for sure.

USATF-NE: After a race, what is your favorite meal or treat to have?
DK: Very tricky, but if there's one nearby, Texas Roadhouse. The bread always be smacking.

USATF-NE: What are your plans for the upcoming years?
DK: Going on to run in college and hopefully making it to the next level.

USATF-NE: Is there anything else you would like to add?
DK: I'd like to shout out to my mom, who’s been my biggest supporter.

USATF-NE also asked St.Raphael coach Chris Magill about Devan's successful season.

Questions for Coach Magill:
USATF-NE: What has it been like to see Devan grow throughout the years?
CM: Devan’s development from his sophomore to his junior year is nothing short of amazing.  Devan decided to move away from soccer after his sophomore year and concentrate on running. After he made this decision, we set some goals such as winning the state cross country meet and becoming an elite track athlete. He is extremely competitive and focused and brings an outstanding attitude to practice every day.

USATF-NE: Is there anything interesting about the way Devan trains that separates him from the rest of his field?
CM: Devan is extremely versatile athlete with elite times in events from the 800 meters (1:51), Mile (4:00), 3000 (8:20) to the Steeplechase (5:48). He was also he RI State Champion in Cross Country.

USATF-NE: What is your proudest moment working with Devan?
CM: There are many proud moments but: My proudest moment was when Devan decided to forgo his invitation to run the high school mile at the Penn relays to run the Distance Medley Relay with his teammates. He anchored the relay in 4:04 to help St. Raphael place second.

USATF-NE: Is there anything else you would like to add?
CM:  Devan’s brother Darius was the USATF-NE June Athlete of the Month in 2019.  Devan's times this outdoor season broke the New England high school records for the 1500 meters, 1 Mile and 2000 steeplechase.