This archive report was first published on 10 July 2019.
Kenyan sprinter Hellen Syombua is on a mission to break more records at the National Police Service Athletics Championships, which kick off on Thursday at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani.
Just two weeks ago, Syombua shattered the national 400m record with a time of 51.09 seconds at the African Games trials, surpassing her teammate Maximilla Imali's previous record of 51.18 seconds.
As the championships get underway, Syombua will be competing in both the 400m and 200m events, with her sights set on breaking the national 200m record as well.
'I had prepared well for that record since last year and I think I can even lower it to 49.00 in the African Games. I am also working hard to break the 200m record and I know everything is possible,' Syombua said.
With her qualification for the World Championships in Doha, Qatar, Syombua is eager to experience competing at the highest level and has promised to return with a medal.
Police have been a force to be reckoned with in sprints, with Syombua set to face stiff competition from Joan Cherono, Frashia Mwangi, and Maximilla Imali. Police head coach Isaac Kirwa expressed his delight at the team's performance, saying, 'It is true we are currently doing very well in sprints and more is yet to come. We can't reveal our secret at the moment because we still want records to fall.'
Other notable athletes expected to participate in the championships include three-time World Half Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor, who will be defending his 10000m title, and World 3000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech.
