Gathimba eyeing more global glory in busy season

Three-time Africa 20km walking race champion Samuel Gathimba is working on maintaining his new-found stature, that of being a world medalist. 

The 34-year old anchored Kenya's team on their debut to the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships earlier in March to win the country's first ever medal at the event, a bronze, and help the country finish seventh overall. 

Having tested global glory, Gathimba is back in training at his Nyeri base with a new resolve to train and fight for medals at upcoming championships. 

"I had trained well for the team championship, knowing that the competition as well as the weather would be tough. However, I kept to my game plan and I made the podium. This gives me motivation to work for other medals in this busy season," offered Gathimba. 

While he has not settled on which races he will be taking part in before the Commonwealth Games, Gathimba says he is keeping to a set training schedule that will have him ready for any events that come up between now and the next championship likely to be held in May. 

"The African competition was initially set for May but nothing has been confirmed yet. I skipped the fourth Athletics Kenya meeting too since I had just come from the World Athletics event so for now I will keep training just to be ready for any upcoming events," added Gathimba. 

According to the world bronze medalist, his coach has a set schedule that he keeps to when not expecting a race and one for when competition is near. 

"I rely on my coach to confirm competitions for me and as at now, i dont have any upcoming races. Regardless, I am keeping to the competition schedule, confident that if the African championship is confirmed, I will be ready to defend my title," Gathimba further confirmed. 

The athlete believes Kenya has what it takes to compete with the best in the world in walking race.