Two-time Olympic medallist Bernard Lagat returns to Birmingham with his sights set on a winning performance over 1500 metres at the Aviva Grand Prix on February 20.
The Kenyan-born star, now representing the USA, has already enjoyed a terrific start to the year, winning the Wanamaker Mile in New York for an historic eighth time last month and then a week later setting an American record over 5,000m in Boston.
Last year Lagat finished second at the Aviva Grand Prix behind Kenya's Augustine Choge, and this time the 2007 world 1500m and 5000m gold medallist is aiming for the top spot.
Lagat said: "This year is going really well and I'm feeling in great shape, so I definitely want to continue that form in Birmingham. I'm racing over 1500m and I'm looking forward to running again with Augustine Choge which is always tough!
"I know the competition will be a good one, that's great, I like it like that.
"I've raced in Birmingham a number of times before and set a new US record over 3000m there two years ago, so I know what to expect and I know I can perform well there," Lagat added.
With the US team trials in Albuquerque for the World Indoor Championships in Doha next month coming a week after Birmingham, Lagat is showing no signs of slowing down as he looks to finalise his preparations for further global success.
The 35-year-old added: "This year the World Indoor championships in Doha are just around the corner. They are high on the agenda. I'm planning to be running 3000m there so this 1500m is a really important part of my preparations.
"Presuming I qualify for the team I'll be going there to win; I'm in good shape and good form and am confident in my abilities. Yes I got two medals last year in Berlin but I'm disappointed not to have won."
New Zealander Nick Willis, the Olympic silver medallist and the current world's fastest miler, will also be competing in the 1500m and is sure to prove stiff competition for Lagat.
The Aviva Grand Prix takes place at the National Indoor Arena. Events include: Men - 60m, 60m Hurdles, 400m, 1500m, 3000m, Triple Jump, High Jump. Women - 60m, 60m Hurdles, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, Pole Vault, Long Jump.
