C. WanjaWU20 Championship: Team Kenya steps up preps
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 18.04.22. | 20:30
Preparations to retain Kenya’s dominance at the World Under 20 Athletics Championships in Cali, Colombia slated for August 1-6 are under way in camps set up in various parts of the country
World Under 20 Champion 5000m Benson Kiplagat is confident that Kenya will continue like her dominance at the biennial event in August.
Kiplagat is training alongside fellow athletes Daniel Kinyanjui and Bernard Yegon at Keringet Boys Boarding, Nakuru County, a camp composed of 24 boys and 16 girls.
“Our coaches have been doing a commendable job. Athletes are self motivated and are committed to their training. I feel happy to be in this camp, I have the opportunity of training with my agemates. We're it up to me I would wish that they can extend our training. I am preparing to transition to the senior side and I feel confident competing against them but now I am focusing on going to Cali,“ said Kinyanjui, who finished seventh in 3,000m last year.
In Dundori, Nyandarua County, 16-year old Daisy Cherop will be making a third attempt to book an elusive slot to Team Kenya. Cherop is banking on her training at St Cecilia Community Learning Center alongside 42 athletes for a chance to represent Kenya at the biennial event.
“Though I have failed twice to book a ticket for Team Kenya I have not lost hope. I am happy I'm one of the athletes who has benefited from this Under 20 camp. I have been focusing on my finsh, speed and endurance," said Cherop.
While at Emanyatta Athletics Camp in Narok County, founded by former Africa Under 20 Champion Ita Nao Leshan will be seeking to send the first Maasai ladies to represent Kenya at the international arena.
Gladys Mantaine Lesere and Silvia Mantaine Ntapa and Sheila Naisim Kudate who just finished class eight and are waiting for their call up to join secondary school are eying the 800m and 1,500m slots. The trio are among the 12 girls at the camp which also has 18 boys.
“I used to compete for fun before I met Ms Josephine Teeka who took an interest in me. She encouraged me to nature my talent and I intend to continue. This is my second camp with athletes below 20 years. I am glad to train with my peers,” said Gladys.
Kiptere camp, Kericho County and Silibwet camp, Bomet County with 50 athletes each are also beneficiaries of the program ponsored by the Ministry of Sports through Athletics Kenya.
