Sprinter Kennedy Kimeu and discuss thrower Linda Kageha are ecstatic after being named Team Kenya captains for the World Under-20 Championships to be held at Kasarani next week.

Leading the over 40 athletes when the championship begins, is a dream come true for Kimeu.

The 18-year old will feature in three events, hoping to win Kenya gold in 400m as well as in two relay races.

“It is an honour to be named captain of a national team. It doesn’t matter at what category.

As captain you feel that you have to give your all because everyone is watching you,” Kimeu told People Sport.

The athlete believes that the relays teams (men’s 4X400m) as well as the 4X400m

mixed relay teams are very strong and ready to challenge for top accolades.

“With the assistance of our coaches, we have had productive training sessions and also being able to gel as a team. The batton exchange too has greatly improved,” he said.

Co-captain Kageha has urged the athletes to believe in themselves and enjoy the six-day Championships.

The Africa Under-18 silver medalist in 400m further urging the Kenyan athletes to represent the country with pride.

“In whatever event you will take part in, do it with pride, lift the Kenyan flag higher. I will do the same,” she said.

The 19-year-old who started as a footballer is looking forward to doubling up in the 4X400m mixed  relay and discus women throw in the biennial event in under a weeks time hoping to do well.

“I started as a footballer, while studying at Bitagwa High School in Muguga, Kisii County in 2016. I was all over the field as a striker.

That’s what made our school coach Paul Nzofu approach and ask me to also try out athletics.

I was hesitant at first but he encouraged me, though I did not know where I would fit so when we started at the county level, I competed in the 200m, 400 and 800m and won all of them,” she added.