Kinyamal working on speed ahead of Olympics qualifiers

Commonwealth Games 800m champion Wycliffe Kinyamal is focusing on improving his speed ahead of the Africa Senior Athletics Championship, World Relays and Olympics qualifiers as he looks to represent Kenya in the events. 

The 23-year old gave his specialty, 800m, a wide berth at the first Athletics Kenya’s (AK) first track and field meet held on February 27 and 28 at the Nyayo National Stadium and went for the 400m race instead.

He was impressive in the distance, winning his heat and went ahead to pick a third-place finish in the final in a time of 46.55 behind youngster Zablon Ekwam who clocked 45.65 to win and William Raiyan who came in second in 46.13.

“I chose to race in 400m which is not my specialty as it will help me work on my speed for the 800m race. My training at Kaptagat is going on well and my focus is set on qualification for my first Olympics,” said Kinyamal.

Additionally, the Global Sports Communication athlete is hoping to be part of Team Kenya’s contingent to the fifth edition of the World Relays slated for Silesia, Poland, in May. Kinyamal took part in the AK weekend relay meets. The three-leg meetings started on January 9 in Nairobi, with the second edition held in January 23, while the third leg was on February 6. The national trials are scheduled for March 26 and 27, where a team will be picked to represent Kenya in Silesia.

At the last relay weekend meet, Kinyamal clocked 1:46.09 to finish second to World Championships 800m bronze medalist Ferguson Rotich (1:45.64) in Heat 3 of the 800m race. Abel Kipsang finished third in 1:46.36. 

“While I still have time to train for the Olympics qualifiers the World relays are much closer and I am looking to make the team. I also have diamond league races to look forward to but my focus is on the relays. My speed is not bad but I am working to lower my 400m mark to below 45,” added Kinyamal.