More than 400 athletes to rub shoulders for slots ahead of global junior championships

Over 400 junior athletes will this morning (Thursday) converge at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani for a three-day World under-20 national trials.

Athletics Kenya (AK) and the World Under-20 Local Organising Committee will also use the three-day event to gauge Kenya’s readiness to host the World Under-20 Championships set for August 17-22 at Kasarani.

AK Director for Youth Development Barnaba Korir has said the first two athletes to cross the finish line at the trials will secure slots in team Kenya with the country set to field athletes in 22 disciplines.

“We are having a big number partly due to the pandemic which led to the postponement of this event last year. We had already selected some athletes but we decided to give each athlete an opportunity to try their chance at the trials,” said Korir.

Korir said the federation will be on the lookout for a strong squad for the world showpiece.

Strong squad lookout

“We have put in place systems to ensure that the athletes who have already received invites arrive in Nairobi on time for the trials, and we have already booked the hotels where they will be staying,” Korir added.

Korir further said that AK is collaborating closely with the World U20 LOC to ensure a smooth three-day event.

“I want to express my delight with the caliber of the junior athletes in our scope, starting with the 80 who were picked during the pre-trial event last November,” he continued. The recent regional

trials, according to the AK NEC member, provided junior athletes another chance to try their luck in the national squad, thus our decision to start the selection process from the ground up.”

He added: “As the host nation and defending champions, I am convinced that we will assert our dominance in the global event once more.

I’m also pleased to report that, in addition to the middle and long distance races, we’ve been given permission to register competitors in categories where Kenya may not have qualified.”

Lemotit Athletics Training Camp in Londiani, Kericho County will have the highest number of athletes during the World Under-20 Championship trials.

A total of 17 athletes from the camp will be competing with seven of them representing AK South Rift region, while 10 will represent Nairobi region in the three-day event.

The South Rift region will be represented by Magadaline Cherono (5,000m), Trizah Cherotich and Diana Chepkemoi (3,000m steeplechase), Sheila Cherotich (800m and 400m), Sharon Chepkurui (discus and Javelin) Iscah Chelangat (3,000m) and Kipasenwa Naserian (shot put and discus).

Nairobi region will feature Miriam Chemutai and Diana Chepkorir (1,500m), Joyline Chepkemoi (3,000m), Sharon Chepkemei (3,000m steeplechase), Florence Chepkoech (800m) and Dorcus Chepkemoi (800m).

Others include Fancy Chepkorir (5,000m), Daisy Chepkorir (3,000m), Purity Chepkirui (short put) and Sharon Cheptoo (discus).

The camp’s head, Paul Kemei is optimistic that the girls will do well and earn themselves a place in the Kenyan team after the trials.

“The girls are in good shape and despite the stiff competition from other regions, I know they will be able to get slots in the Kenyan team for the August Games,” said Kemei.