AK official roots for diversification of key areas for host nation ah**d of World Under 20
Athletics Kenya’s (AK) director of Youth and Development Barnaba Korir has emphasised on the need to diversify medal prospects ahead of the August 17-22 Championships.
He says the country will be seeking to diversify her medal prospects during the upcoming World Under-20 Championships with a focus on field events and sprints.
Citing the performance from Tampere, Finland in 2018 where Kenya with a total of 11 medals; six gold, four silver and one bronze, beat 43 countries to top the medals table, Korir says with forays in field events, Kenya looks even better placed to defend her title.
“You see Kenya’s dominance at the previous editions has largely come through the middle and long distance events.
So I see a scenario where we keep our base while making strides in field events and sprints,” said Korir.
The AK NEC member said it was also worth noting that the 2018 performance was an improvement on the 2016 performance where Kenya had finished second with 9 medals behind USA (21).
“Despite Kenya’s success in Tampere championships, it did not go without surprises as Kenya relinquished gold in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase for the first time in the championship since its inception in 1986.
Given that we have a strong athletes in the event as well as women’s 1,500m which we missed from the previous edition, I see our athletes winning in those two events as well” he challenged.
Even as team Kenya continues with residential training camp in Nairobi, Korir says the country has very talented athletes and with specialised training they will do very well.
“It is our expectation that they will have adequate training ahead of the championships,” said Korir.
Eighteen-year- old Sid Imani is among the stars that will fly Kenyan flag in the field events when he competes in the men’s high jump.
Others are Zeddy Chesire who will double in High Jump and Long jump.
Titus Kiptoo and Linda Kageha (Discuss), Dominic Kiprotich and Maureen Milka (Shot put), Dennis Maina (Long Jump), Wilson Letungei and Martha Musai (Javelin), Fatima Winnie and Justine Maiyo (Triple Jump).
