This archive report was first published on 17 July 2021.
Team Kenya physiotherapist Nassib Twaha has expressed optimism about the team's chances at the Tokyo Olympics, citing optimal hydration as a key factor in their success.
Speaking to Nyakundi Report, Twaha emphasized the importance of rehydrating in the high-temperature environment of Japan, where temperatures have risen to highs of 35 degrees.
‘It’s a continuation of what we have been doing back home in Kasarani. The weather again is ideal for competition. And our role basically as physiotherapists for Team Kenya is to ensure that while the intensity and frequency of their preparation is hitting on the notch high, we ensure there is minimal or zero injury or any discomforts that would probably limit their performance. I would say so far so good,’ Twaha explained.
Twaha also praised the team's preparation, saying that they were well aware of the challenges they would face in Tokyo and had taken steps to address them.
‘The weather situation is tough in Kurume; temperature have risen to highs of 35 degrees. So, we are always as a team insisting on optimal hydration and we are glad that the coaching staff and athletes themselves have taken this up very well as we have not had any soft tissue muscular issues relating to low levels of hydration,’ he added.
Meanwhile, sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala has expressed his confidence ahead of the Olympics, saying that he is feeling good and energetic.
‘The journey to Kurume City was long and tedious. We left Nairobi on Monday and got here on Thursday after four grueling days. But the good thing is that no one has tested positive for COVID-19 which is the most important thing,’ Omanyala said.
He also praised the food in Kurume City, saying that he had found ugali and beef, which he didn’t expect.
