This archive report was first published on 29 September 2019.
Published on September 29, 2019, in Doha, Qatar, three-time Africa race walk champion Grace Wanjiru is set to compete in the women's 20km race walk at the 2019 World Athletics Championships.
Wanjiru, a 2010 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, will be Kenya's sole representative in the event, which takes place tonight at 11:30 PM.
Despite concerns about the hot climate, Wanjiru downplayed its potential impact, stating that all competitors will face the same conditions.
"There is nothing like the intervention of climate. Everybody will compete in the same conditions, and I will deal with any challenges as they arise," she said.
Wanjiru, 40, has prepared well for the event and is eager to make a strong impression, saying, "I have prepared well for tonight's race, knowing well that I will be the only Kenyan in the field. This is what we have been waiting for over a long time, and the time has come for us to put to use what we have learnt."
She also used the opportunity to encourage young Kenyans to take up the sport, saying, "Kenya needs talented and disciplined athletes if the country is to continue going places. The youngsters must stand up and take their places in the team."
