This archive report was first published on 19 December 2019.
As the World Under-20 Championships approaches, junior athletes are intensifying their preparations for the global event scheduled to take place in Nairobi from July 7-12, 2019.
Kenya's success at the 2018 Championships in Tampere, Finland, has motivated Athletics Kenya to leave no stone unturned in its preparations. The organization has established 14 camps across the country to ensure athletes are well-prepared for the event.
One of the camps is located at the Friends Moi High School Kaptama in Bungoma County, where 61 athletes from the Western region are training. The athletes are drawn from Bungoma, Vihiga, Kakamega, and Busia counties.
Head coach Daniel Kororia is optimistic that his charges will break through the glass ceiling at the national trials scheduled for May. Kororia is banking on national finalists, including Yona Kimutai, Kelvin Kiptoo, and Allan Kipyego, who finished fourth at the Africa Youth Games in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
‘These athletes have a lot of potential, and if they can be maintained in camp through the holidays, then we have a bright future ahead,' said Kororia.
Elsewhere, at Chewoyet National School in West Pokot County, 54 athletes are training with the aim of securing national team slots. The camp has produced notable athletes, including African Games 5,000m champion Robert Kiprop, national 5,000m champion Michael Kibet, and World 5,000m finalist Jacob Krop.
Coach Edward Moti, who also teaches Physics and Mathematics at the school, believes that the presence of these athletes has motivated his charges to work harder. Moti has introduced a new training program that focuses on a scientific approach to competing internationally.
