Muchiri seeks to emulate elder brother Karoki
Budding athlete Eric Muchiri mirrors himself in the image of established elder brother Bedan Karoki.
Karoki, the 2015 World Cross Country Championships and 2016 World Half Marathon Championships silver medallist has been a source of inspiration to Muchiri who also dreams of becoming a world champion.
Muchiri feels the forthcoming World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Cali, Colombia planned for August 1 to 6 might be his opportunity to rise from his brother’s shadows. “My brother has made a name for himself over the years that is why I want to do something for myself.
While he remains my source of inspiration, I know I am my person with my talents,” said Muchiri.
The athlete is one of the junior athletes from Dundori Athletics Club attending the under-20 training camp at the St Cecilia Community Learning Centre, Nyandarua County.
Muchiri, who runs 1,500m and 3000m, says top athletes from the region have inspired many upcoming athletes.
“I will see whether I will double or concentrate on one event, especially 1,500m,” he said.
Muchiri missed last year’s trials for the Nairobi event after he fell sick.
“I want to represent Kenya just like my elder brother,” said the junior who further wants to follow Karoki to Japan where he works and trains from.
Dundori camp hosts 43 athletes; 23 women and 20 men, drawn from Nyandarua and Nyeri Counties.
Most of the athletes there are optimistic about mirroring the exploits of Teresia Muthoni the world under 20 gold medallist who hails from the region.
Rose Njau wants to emulate the likes of former Africa champion Grace Wanjiru and Heristone Wanyonyi in a race walk.
