Waithaka keen on his home, away-from-home race
World Under-20 5,000m silver medallist Stanley Waithaka says it will be disappointing not to take part in the Olympics in Japan.
For the past three years, the Asian country has been his second home and as a result he has earned many supporters there.
He says the desire to compete in his second home and will play a major role in his quest to qualify, and even do well, at the Summer Games.
The delayed event is set to kick off on July 23- August 8 in the Japanese capital, Tokyo. Waithaka says he has fully acclimatised to the weather conditions in Japan, an indication he is the right person to represent the country at the Games.
“I have already adapted to the climate there and with the Olympics taking place in the summer I will be more than comfortable to compete. I have also developed a fan base in Tokyo and I am confi dent I will perform well if I will make the cut,” Waithaka said.
The 20-year-old who clocked 13:43.7 in 5,000m at the opening leg of Athletics Kenya Track and Field competition said he is eyeing a slot in the team for the Olympics in 10,000m. He said he is also seeking a new personal best time in the distance.
“Every year, I have lowered my personal best and this year my aim is to run 12:53 in 5k and 26:00 in 10k. I am also planning to compete in 10k at the trials for the Olympics, something I am feeling confi dent about,” he added.
With barely three weeks remaining before he jets back to the Asian nation, Waithaka hopes to compete in the second weekend meeting set for March 12-13 as he seeks to regain his form after suffering an injury setback.
“I want to compete in the next meeting before I return to Japan. I am slowly returning to my top form and I think the competition provides an ideal opportunity for me to work on my speed,” he added.
The athlete from Nyahururu said Covid-19 pandemic has made him readjust a lot even seeing his holiday cut signifi cantly.
