This archive report was first published on 25 November 2019.
On Wednesday, the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Nock) kicked off its inaugural National Elite Youth Camp at Lukenya Academy in Machakos County, marking the beginning of Kenya's journey to the 2022 Dakar Youth Olympic Games.
According to Nock acting secretary general Francis Mutuku, the camp aims to identify and nurture top young athletes, particularly in disciplines featured at the Olympics, such as athletics, badminton, basketball, cycling, handball, hockey, judo, rugby, tae kwon-do, tennis, triathlon, beach volleyball, and wrestling.
Speaking at the Nock headquarters in Nairobi, Mutuku emphasized the importance of expanding Kenya's Olympic medal prospects beyond athletics, citing the success of rugby teams in securing Olympic spots.
"We want to bring home medals in short distances and field events, just like we do in athletics," Mutuku said, adding that the committee's goal is to have more disciplines qualify for the 2024 Paris and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The camp, which will run for two weeks, will feature not only technical coaching but also strength and conditioning training, nutrition advice, mentorship, and social activities to develop the athletes' overall skills.
More than 100 young athletes, selected by their respective sports federations, will participate in the camp, accompanied by coaches in each discipline.
