L. MathekaKibathi eyeing African junior title
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 27.01.23. | 12:40
Kenya will be out to defend the Under-20 title and win the Under-18 gong won by South Africa four years ago in Ivory Coast.
After missing out on a World Athletics Under-20 title in Cali Colombia, teenage sensation Samuel Kibathi is intent on making amends at this year’s Africa Junior championships set for April
The Africa Athletics (CAA) combined fourth Under-18 Championships and the 15th African Under-20 championships will take place in Lusaka, Zambia from 29 April to 3 May 2023.
Samuel Kibathi triumphs in the men's Under-20 race.
— BARNABA KORIR OFFICIAL (@KorirOfficial) January 21, 2023
"I am happy to win this race. It was tough especially at the mud section but I had prepared well and I am grateful for the victory," said Kibathi. pic.twitter.com/T24IsDAMPo
Kenya will be out to defend the Under-20 title and win the Under-18 gong won by South Africa four years ago in Ivory Coast.
Japan-based Kibathi was a cut above the rest during the national cross country held on 21 January, leading from gun to tape and by a huge margin to clock 23:12.2 and finish ahead of Simeon Maiywa (23:25.4) and Shadrack Rono (23:32.7) in the under-20 men’s 8km race.
His performance was inspiration enough to want the continental title on track as he looks to represent the country in 5000m.
This world U-20 5000m final looks suspiciously fixed between Ethiopians and Eritreans. Demeanor of Merhawi Mebrahtu gives away any attempt to pip Addisu Yihune, whilst as Gabeyehu Belay holds back Samuel Kibathi- clearing way for Habtom Samuel to medal.
— Saddique Shaban (@SaddiqueShaban) August 2, 2022
pic.twitter.com/zjCZawhfs6
“This was part of my preparations for the junior event coming in April. I want to prepare myself and perform better than I did last year when I represented the country in Cali. My target in Lusaka is to win gold and help Team Kenya retain the junior title,” offered Kibathi who finished sixth at last year’s world athletics event after falling close to the line while attempting to make the podium.
The 18-year-old also competed at the Agnes Tirop Memorial Cross-Country Tour Gold at Lobo Village in Eldoret last year finishing fifth in the men’s junior race, having finished second in the national competition.
In a previous interview, Kibathi, a student at Kurashiki High School in Japan, had intimated that he was more comfortable training in Japan because he has access to all the facilities needed.
