Early preparations key in World Under-20 title defence - AK

In their quest to have the best team heading to Cali, Colombia for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, Athletics Kenya (AK) has ensured potential athletes begin early preparations ahead of the trials. 

In addition to having eleven athletes training in France, where the younsters are set to have a month-long boot camp, AK has identified 26 camps across the country to train youth and junior athletes in preparation for the global event set for 1 to 6 August.

The camps, fully supported and funded by the ministry of Sports as the federation hopes to prepare a strong team for its title defence in Cali. The country is chasing a third consecutive title, having bagged16 medals (eight gold, one silver and seven bronze) last year in Nairobi to defend the title.

Kenyan youngsters begin boot camp in France ahead of Under-20 championship

On Thursday, a team from AK embarked on a week-long tour of the camps, beginning at Nairobi's Riruta Central School where select athletes from Nairobi region have been training since the camp was opened on 5 April. 

AK Nairobi branch vice chairman Gideon Nyangechi, camp coordinator Jack Were, sprints coach Caroline Awuor and her long distance counterpart Joseph Kahugu are heading the Riruta camp. 

AK Youth Development Director  Barnaba Korir says the camps are crucial for a smooth transition to senior ranks for the athletes. 

"We have a lot of talent across the country and that is why we want to start early preparations so that we can select a strong team that will be heading to Cali, Colombia," Korir said as the team toured Chania Boys' camp on day one too. 

The delegation headed by Korir also has Susan Kamau, the AK Chief Executive Officer (CEO), National Youth coach Robert Ngisirei and AK Youth and Development Committee Secretary Joseph Ilovo. 

On the second day, the delegation moved to Southern Region where they made their first stop at KEA in Kitui County. The camp run by marathoner Patrick Makau's spouse, Catherine Makau is hosting ten boys and a similar number of girls. 

Catherine who doubles up as head coach and camp director is hopeful a number of athletes will have a bright future.

"Before Kea started there was no camp in this area. It is nice to have a different thing, away from the football camps that everyone is used to. I have talked to many juniors and they want to become professional athletes," said Catherine.