Reynold Kipkorir, the World Under-20 1500m champion, and Damaris Mutunga, the World Under-20 400m silver medalist, are set to lead the Kenyan team at the upcoming Africa Under-18 and Under-20 Championships.
The trials, held at Nyayo National Stadium in Kenya, were marred by heavy rains that disrupted the program on Saturday morning.
However, the determined athletes braved the chilly weather and put on impressive performances to secure their spots in the continental event scheduled for April 19 to May 3 in Lusaka, Zambia.
Mutunga, who competed in both the 200m and 400m races, emerged victorious with a time of 23.90 in the 200m and 54.38 in the 400m. “The weather was challenging but I am happy I managed to hit the qualifying time as my main target in Zambia will be the 400m race. I am confident I will perform well and thereafter shift my focus to the senior championships,” Mutunga said.
Kipkorir, who missed out on the trials but was still named to the team, will be joined by Gilbert Rono and Ernest Kiprotich in the men’s 1500m Under-20 category.
Other athletes who competed at the 2022 World Junior Championships and made the cut include national cross country champion Samuel Kibathi (10,000m), Pamela Kosgei (3000m steeplechase), Emmanuel Wafula (3000m steeplechase), and Everyline Chepkoech (800m).
Fresh from winning the East Africa title last month, Isaac Omurwa will once again lead the Kenyan charge in the men’s 100m under-20 race after clocking an impressive time of 10.69.
Chepkoech and Judy Kemunto will team up in the women’s 800m Under-20 category, while Daisy Chepngetich and Dorcas Isoe will represent Kenya in the under-18 category.
Notably, Japan-based Kibathi will be competing in the 10,000m under-20 race alongside Amos Kipkurui and Dennis Mutuku.
Kosgei, who won bronze in the world cross-country championships, will be the sole representative for Kenya in the women’s 3000m steeplechase event.
Kenya is determined to defend its under-18 title from the 2019 championships held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where the team also secured second place in the under-20 category.
The young Kenyan athletes are eager to showcase their talent and make their country proud at the upcoming continental championships.
