AK to conduct Tokyo try-outs end of month
Athletics Kenya is convinced holding pre-trials for Tokyo Olympic Games is beneficial for athletes especially sprinters who are yet to hit qualification standards.
The pre-trials set for May 27 to 29 at the Nyayo National Stadium will replace the now postponed Africa Senior Athletics Championships trials which had initially been set for the same dates.
“Our athletes must continue training since the pre-trials will be another opportunity for them to attain the Olympic qualifying standards before the trials,” said AK senior vice president and director for competitions Paul Mutwii.
Mutwii revealed that so far 90 athletes have attained their Olympic qualifying standards, including the final team of eight marathoners -- four men and four women. His concern is mostly with sprinters where only two Hellen Syombua and Emmanuel Korir have qualified in 400m.
Mutwii also noted that the pre-trials will set the stage for the Olympic Games trials on June 17 to 19, that barring changes, have been planned for Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.
“The olympics trials will be an invite-only affair. So the pre trials will come in handy for the athletes, mostly sprinters who are yet to hit the qualification standards. We are hoping that can be achieved before the main trials,” said Mutwii.
He added, “AK regions and institutions that plan to stage their events can go ahead but under strict Covid-19 protocols. They will have to engage AK before putting up the dates.”
Already, Kenya Defence Forces Championships have been lined up from May 17 to 19 at the Nyayo Stadium.
Championships
Mutwii also disclosed that for the second year running, the national championships that were planned for June 10 to 12 at the Nyayo National Stadium have been called off.
Meanwhile, AK boss Jack Tuwei has warned that athletes who will be representing the country at the Games must have been tested four times by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) and the Athletics Integrity Unity (AIU).
“The instructions are clear to the athletes and they must have been tested by the two bodies Adak and AIU before the trials, which is a requirement in the global event,” said Tuwei.
