It is that time again, a time of unity for Kenya regardless of political fronts or differences.
Athletics enthusiasts should be prepared for fever-pitch action for the next two weeks, since it will be the order of the day as Kenyans are set to be glued to the screens within the borders and beyond to cheer our gallant athletes who are out again to do duty for the country at the World Athletics Championships beginning tomorrow at the National Athletics Stadium, Budapest, Hungary.
President William Ruto is expected to lead the exhilaration for the Kenyan boys and girls even as the medal hunt for conquering the world gets underway on Day One of the championships.
Team Kenya is thronging the competition buzzing with optimism and buoyancy scaled by three recent record world records from the magnificent and ever-smiling Faith Kipyegon and arguably the superb form of ‘fan favourite’ Ferdinand Omanyala who is poised to write his name in the annals of history should all things remain constant.
A total of 59 athletes will wear the iconic Kenyan black, red and green bibs with utter eagerness to represent the country in search of glory.
The team is comprised of young and experienced athletes with officials striving to make amend to the 2022 performance in Oregon, USA where Kenya finished fourth globally on the medal standings after only managing to grab 10 medals (2 gold,5 silver,3 bronze).
From the entry list at the Budapest Championships, it is only Faith Kipyegon (1,500m) and Emmanuel Korir will be competing as defending champions.
However, there is more hope for Kenya in other races such as men’s 100m, where a sensational Omanyala will be stepping on the track as a clear favourite having been ranked second in the world this year with a time of 9.84 seconds. After smashing the 5,000m world record, Kipyegon will also be taking part in the 12.5 laps event in this championship, teaming up with Commonwealth Games champion Beatrice Chebet, Lilian Kasait and Margaret Chelimo to bolster Kenya’s ambition of ameliorating the medal tally.
The rise and rise of ‘Kisii Express’ Mary Moraa and teenager Emmanuel Wanyonyi in 800m for both men and women events is also a clear sign that the country can spur at the global stage once again.
The chase for medals begins early morning tomorrow with Samuel Gathimba taking part in the opening event of the day; Men’s 20km Walk race.
Later in the afternoon, Nicholas Kimeli, Bernard Kibet and Kibiwot Kandie will line up in men’s 10,000m, in the quest to end a 22-year wait for a gold medal.
