Boniface Kimani keen to make World Athletics Under-20 Championships cut
Boniface Kimani is bullish ahead of the national trials for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships planned for July 1-3 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Kimani, a 5,000m runner is one of the athletes from Eastern region, will be battling to make it to Team Kenya during the global age-group competition which will be held in Nairobi from August 17 - 22.
Having dominated the Eastern region trials two weeks ago, Kimani is upbeat he is ready for the trials.
Kimani said he has prepared well ahead of the trials and he is expecting good results.
“First of all, I am happy I managed to make it to the nationals. On a personal level, I know I still have some work to do because competition is stiff in Nairobi,” said Kimani who has just completed high school.
Huge prospect
“I will approach the nationals knowing there are other athletes who are working hard to make the cut. So I need to be in good shape ahead of the trials,”said Kimani.
According to his coach Stephen Njeru who has been mandated by Athletics Kenya to oversee the Embu High Altitude Training Camp, the region is hopeful they will produce a number of athletes for the national team.
“Just like all the other regions across the country, Eastern is also well prepared for the trials.
We shall be coming to Nairobi on Wednesday all set for the challenge ahead,” said Njeru.
Njeru says unlike the previous Under-20 event in Tampere, Finland, where the region failed to produce an athlete to the national team, he predicts a different outcome.
“Kimani is one of our big prospects because he has been running well on the track as well as cross country. I think he will make the team,” said the tactician.
Fredrick Wamutu who threw 61.28m in javelin is yet another huge prospect Njeru believes is made for the national stage.
“The kid keeps improving with each passing day. I have watched clips of his competitors, I honestly think we have something special brewing,” he added.
Njeru says sprinter Kevin Muriuki who has been doing well in both 100m and 200m is another athlete to watch out for.
Kenya will be defending the title won in the last event in Tampere, Finland, in 2018 where they bagged 11 medals.
