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Two-time Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association 10,000m walking race silver medallist Hemstone Wanyonyi will be challenging for global silverware when the country hosts the World Athletics Under-20 Championships.

Wanyonyi is one of the 44 athletes that will represent Kenya during the biannual event slated for August 17-22 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The race walker, who recently finished secondary school at Ortum Boys in West Pokot County, earlier in the month won the Kenyan trials after timing 42:47.0 in the men’s 10km category.

He believes the junior event will help transform him into a future star.

“I have been playing second fiddle to  world under-18 bronze medallist Dominic Ndigiti for two years, but I feel time is right for me to move to the next level,” Wanyonyi told People Sport.

“I have improved more so in my walking technique. When I look at where I was a year or so ago, I think I have made progress.

Unlike many people, I won’t say my  dream has been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

On the contrary, the postponement of the event has given me a huge opportunity,” said Wanyonyi.

With the help of his coaches, Wanyonyi says he is putting a lot of effort in training almost a month to the start of the Championships.

“All the good race walkers put emphasis on good walking techniques. I want to challenge myself to improve and be ready to face the best from across the globe.”

Wanyonyi settled for a silver medal at the 2018 and 2019 KSSSA games, losing to Ndigiti on both occasions.

The national under-20 team is expected to report tomorrow at the Kasarani stadium for residential training camp.