As the national trials to select teams for the World U20 Athletics Championships draw near, Athletics Kenya has issued a stern warning against age-cheating. The trials, set to take place from June 27 to 28 at the Nyayo National Stadium, are a crucial step in identifying the athletes who will represent Kenya at the championships in Lima, Peru, from August 27 to 31, 2024.
Barnaba Korir, the director of the Athletics Kenya Youth Affairs Committee, has emphasized the importance of integrity in the selection process. He highlighted the necessity of verifying the ages of all participants to ensure a fair competition and uphold the credibility of Kenyan athletics on the international stage.
“We cannot afford to compromise on the issue of age verification. It is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our sport and ensuring that deserving young athletes get the opportunity to compete fairly,” Korir stated. “Age-cheating undermines the spirit of competition and the hard work of genuine young athletes.”
Athletics Kenya has implemented stringent measures to combat age-cheating, including thorough documentation and verification processes. Participants are required to provide valid identification documents, and any discrepancies will be investigated rigorously. The organization has also warned that severe penalties will be imposed on those found guilty of falsifying their ages.
Korir’s warning comes at a time when age-cheating has been a persistent issue in various youth sports, not just in athletics. By taking a firm stance, Athletics Kenya aims to set a precedent and discourage any attempts to manipulate the system.
The upcoming trials at Nyayo National Stadium are expected to attract a high level of competition, as Kenya boasts a rich history of producing world-class athletes. The selected team will carry the hopes of the nation to the World U20 Athletics Championships, where they will compete against the best young athletes from around the globe.
As the countdown to the trials continues, athletes, coaches, and officials are urged to adhere to the rules and maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship. The focus remains on fair play, transparency, and showcasing the true talent that Kenya has to offer on the world stage.
In conclusion, Barnaba Korir’s stern warning underscores the commitment of Athletics Kenya to uphold integrity and fairness in the selection process for the World U20 Athletics Championships. With rigorous age verification measures in place, the organization aims to ensure that the best and genuinely eligible athletes represent Kenya in Lima, Peru, later this year.
