Youngsters eye slot in Kenya team for World U20 Championships in Lima

Young athletes Dennis Rutto, Judy Jepkoech, and Deborah Chemutai are hoping to make the cut and represent Kenya in the upcoming World Under-20 Athletics Championships slated for August 26-31, 2024 in Lima, Peru.

The athletes who train at the Kapkoimur junior training camp will be counting on their daily workouts to get a slot in Team Kenya.

Jepkoech, who finished fourth at the Africa Under 20 Championships in Lusaka, Zambia is keen to represent the country again and earn gold, if not a podium finish. She will be banking on her experience at the international level to earn her a slot.

“Right now, what I want is gold from Peru. Now that we are in camp, training is going on well,” Jepkoech offered.

Another athlete, Chemutai is hoping to actualize her dream in athletics by being among the Kenyan team that will fly the flag high in Peru. Chemutai was also excited by the prospect of meeting other youngsters from across the world.

“In this camp, I have quality training time with qualified coaches and I see no reason why I shouldn't make the team,” Chemutai said beaming with ambition.

Cheptegei: I will come back stronger

18-year-old Dennis Rutto is also out to follow his brother's advice to pursue athletics seriously. His brother; Philemon Rutto is based in Japan and he competes in steeplechase.

Rutto who competes in the 3,000m steeplechase is looking to represent the country after missing an opportunity due to classwork. He finished third at the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) games and will build on that to perform well.

“I want to continue running in the 3,000m steeplechase after finishing third at the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSA) games. I have completed school and I want to venture into the running career fully and earn a slot into the Team Kenya for World U-20 championships in Lima, Peru,” Rutto said.

The youngster who sat for his Kenya Certificate of Secondary School Education this year at Matiliku High School in Makueni County aims to fully focus on athletics and win medal (s) for Kenya.

“I had a few challenges in running but now that I am out of school, I will concentrate on athletics fully. We need to prepare psychologically because the task ahead is huge. I promise to work hard and win a medal for the country,” he said with determination.

"I have learned a lot from my elder brother who also competes in the steeplechase and I am keen to follow in his footsteps."

“While I may love books a lot. My brother has motivated me to take up athletics. He told me that in life there are two things; talent and education, and I need to capitalize on the situation,” he concluded.