Justine Maiyo wants to make history as the first Kenyan to wingold in triple jump at the World Under-20 Championships set to take place from August 17-22 at Kasarani Stadium.

Maiyo is confident of achieving a jump of at least 16.50m which he believes will be enough to win gold at the global event in Nairobi.

“I have been busy training for the World Under-20 Championships at the Nairobi West Prison because I want to win gold for Kenya. 

It will not be easy and that is why we have very few competitors but I am determined to secure gold.

I do not only want gold but I want to set a new personal best of 16.50m to improve on the 15.21m I set during the national trials,” said the athlete, who comes from West Pokot County. 

Maiyo emerged victorious at the National Trials held at KasaraniStadium at the start of this month, ahead of Nicholas Kipng’etich (South Rift) who jumped 15.04m while Central’s Dennis Maina clinched third place after managing 14.83m.

“I have a good coach (Benjamin Kemboi), who is guiding me. I competed in four events at the regional North Rift pre-trials (400m hurdles, 400m, long jump and triple jump) but I had to drop the others to concentrate on triple jump as it was my best chance of securing a ticket for the World Under-20,” said the form four student.

At the pre-trials, Maiyo was among five athletes from SiyoiTraining Camp in West Pokot who were sponsored by betting firm Bangbet, the others being Francis Kiptoo, who also secured a ticket to represent Kenya in 3,000m at the global event, as well as Reuben Mosin (5,000m), Lydia Cheruiyot (3,000m) and Shalyne Chemtai (3,000m steeplechase).

Kiptoo had stormed to victory in the second semi-final, clocking 8:03.20, but had to settle for third place in the final to secure his ticket. “I want to train well and ensure I am in top shape during the championships. 

Bangbet came to our aid at the regional event and I hope they continue supporting more talents at the grassroots,” he added.

Bangbet, Kenya’s best odds site, has been supporting upcoming sports personalities at the grassroots in a bid to ensure the talent does not go to waste. 

Meanwhile, Kisumu-based sales agent Abdulkarim Muhamudclaimed last week’s Bangbet Lucky Casino Monthly Draw that comes with a heavy prize of Sh500,000 while Pangani based businesswoman Mercy Kagendo won the weekly draw of Sh100,000.