How specialised training in France equiped Chep for Cali
After a maiden flight outside the country in April for specialised training in France, Winny Chepng’etich vowed that it was to be the first of many to come.
True to her words and four months later in the aftermath of the month-long training at Miramas Athletics Club, Chepng’etich is due to board another flight to Colombia for the World Under 20 Athletics Championships.
As Kenya was naming a team to the global event, Chepngetich was arguably the odd one out in a predominantly middle- and long-distance squad.
Chepngetich jumped 6.20m to secure her place in the long jump, her success is attributed to a programme being carried out by Athletics Kenya to get more athletes in the sprints and field events.
She was among the 11 young sprinters and field event athletes who had gone to Miramas in France for training.
“Back in April, it was amazing to be leaving the country for the first time. Being an upcoming athlete, now I must show the world that I am capable in field events as well,” a jubilant Chepng’etich disclosed to People Sport.
Chepng’etich, 18, said that trip was an eye-opener which might just act as a springboard to much success in future.
“I went to Miramas a triple jump athlete; I came back better in the long jump. Their coaches assessed my technique and straight away recommended I focus on the long jump,” Chepngetich noted.
On Friday the youngster saved the best for last, scaling 6.20m in her final jump to win beating the qualifying standard of 6.10m.
Chepng’etich, handled by former national long jump champion, Caroline Kola, posted 6.04m, 5.89m and 5.90m in the qualifying event.
After Miramas, sprint coach Perpetual Mbutu took her in, hosted her in her house and she was training with Kola, while Mbutu helped her with speed work.
“I am proud to have been part of that pilot program, from it we have been able to produce top quality sprinters and field event athletes,” Mbutu said.
