
W20:Kenyan team punch 4x400m final ticket
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 21.08.21. | 12:41
The quartet of Wanyonyi, Kimeu,Kiprotich and Kithome book place in the 4x400m final
The Kenyan 4x400m men's team has advanced to the World Athletics U20 Championships final in a spectacular fashion after finishing first in heat two.
Running in the middle lane, Joshua Wanyonyi got off the blocks for the home boys in an electric speed only to finish second in the first round behind his Jamaican opponent.
However, Kennedy Kimeu muscled his way to the front in the second lap, setting the base for Kenya to finish top.
Their bid nearly crashed as Elkana Kiprotich finished second in the third lap but the dimunitive Peter Kithome literally flew in the last lap, precisely the in the final fifty metres, dipping his head ahead of the rest.
Kithome expressed confidence that the team will scoop at least a medal in the final slated for Sunday at the same venue.
He said victory in the semis restored their confidence after their disqualification in the mixed relay in the opening day.
"We had the ticket to the final in mind and now that we have it, we will give it our all. We were also testing how strong the opposition is and from how we ran I am confident we will be in medal contention.We came into this race on the back of a disappointment in the mixed relay where the team had confidence of medaling and we have to make amends," he said.
Kiprotich on the other hand was also brimming in confidence that they will mine a medal. Besides, the athlete said he will use the final to better his individual time.
"Missing mixed relays and the final individual gave me the inspiration and push to work for the 4x400m mens relays. While we have a game plan to beat the favourites, I am also looking to lower my time as that will help us push for a medal," he said.











