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Sprinter Elkana Kiprotich is certain his insatiable appetite for success will push him further as he works toward winning a gold medal at the World Under 20 Championships set for Cali, Colombia in August.

The former Mogonga High School student who specialises in 400m, says he has matured in many aspects compared to when he competed at the previous edition of the age-group competition which took place in Nairobi last year.

Kiprotich who dazzled as East Africa Under 20 Championships ended at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania over the weekend feels he is ready for glory in Cali.

“It was great to debut at the World under 20 event last year here at home. Now I will go to Cali knowing I can challenge for gold,” said Kiprotich.

“The East Africa championships helped me gauge myself, I know I can run faster and better. If I continue improving the way I’m doing, then Kenyans should expect something special in Cali,” he added.

Preferred race

In Dar-es-Salaam, Kiprotich excelled in his preferred race while also claiming medals in 800m and in the relays. He was part of a victorious team of 12 athletes that finished second on the medal standings after harvesting five gold medals, 10 silver and three bronze.

He won gold in the boys’ Under-20 400m race, clocking 47.03 ahead of South Sudan’s Semi Thiel who claimed his second silver in  47.78 as another Kenyan Peter Kithome 48.08 settled for the bronze medal. 

Under-20 800m final, after failing to keep pace with the winner Eritreas Garza Fithawi (1:53.85), and fellow Kenyan Peter Kithome (1:54.42). Tanzania’s Baranaba Baraka completed the top four places in 2:31:32.

Kiprotich then teamed up with Joseph Lemkoina, who clinched gold in 100m, and the duo of Kithome and Amos Langat to earn another gold in the men’s 4x400m relay.

“Given that we went with a smaller number I was able to run in different races with is good for me, the 800m events for instance was good for my endurance game,” added Kiprotich who was part of the 11 junior athletes who had camped in Miramas France for specialized training last month.

Meanwhile, World Under 20 400m bronze medalist Sylvia Chelangat believes she is yet to achieve top fitness despite leading Team Kenya to gold in the 4x400m relay at the regional competition.

“I want to go back to training to ensure I am fully fit for Cali, Colombia in August. I am now free after my exams and I want to regain my full fitness,” Chelangat said.

In the ladies’ 3000m, Marion Chepngetich finished second as Naomi Cheptoo (5000m), Teresa Kabui (1500m) and Chelangat (400m and 200m) also grabbed silver in their respective races.