Former world 800m champion Janeth Jepkosgei has issued a stern warning to Kenya’s athletics community, urging them to acknowledge the growing competition from rival nations and to stop taking their dominance for granted. Jepkosgei, who is now a World Athletics-accredited coach, has observed significant shifts in the global athletic landscape, with Kenya’s supremacy in distance running under increasing threat. She emphasizes that the days of effortless victories for Kenyan athletes are over and that rivals are intensifying their efforts to challenge the country’s position at the top.
Jepkosgei notes that countries that were once considered secondary in athletics are now making substantial strides in preparing their athletes. Modern training methods, including the integration of advanced technology, are now common practice in many parts of the world, helping these nations sharpen their edge. However, Kenya has largely stuck to its traditional training methods, which Jepkosgei believes could prove detrimental in the long term if not adapted to current trends.
She points out the rise of competitors from Ethiopia, the UK, the USA, and other nations as a clear indication that Kenya cannot afford to rest on its laurels. The world is evolving, and Jepkosgei stresses that Kenya’s athletes must adjust their mindset and approach to training if they hope to maintain their competitive edge. “There is a lot of competition coming in, and I also manage a small group of athletes from Europe. In South Africa earlier this year, I witnessed first-hand the level of commitment and innovation foreign athletes are bringing to their training,” she said. “We should not be complacent and think that athletics is still ours because it is no longer ours.”
A prime example of the growing competition can be found in the women’s 800m, a category where Kenya has long enjoyed dominance. Mary Moraa, the current world champion, has had to face tough competition from Ethiopian Tsigne Duguma, British athlete Keely Hodgkinson, and American Athing Mu. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Moraa could only manage a bronze medal, while Hodgkinson and Duguma claimed gold and silver, respectively. Jepkosgei sees this as a clear warning that Kenya’s dominance in athletics is no longer guaranteed, especially with fierce competitors emerging in key events.
“Everyone is training hard. Moraa is incredibly talented, and she has the potential to continue competing at the highest level for years to come. But the reality is that there are other athletes like Duguma who are closing in. At the Paris Olympics, I saw firsthand how strong she was, and I even warned Kenyan coaches not to underestimate her,” Jepkosgei explained. “We cannot afford to just celebrate our current success; we must continuously prepare and adapt if we are to remain competitive.”
Jepkosgei’s insights are backed by her extensive experience both as a former athlete and as a coach. Having managed a small group of athletes from Europe, she has seen the commitment and innovation being implemented in training systems abroad. While she still believes in the raw talent present in Kenyan athletes, she underscores the importance of incorporating modern methods and diversifying training techniques. For Kenya to continue to lead in athletics, it must prioritize innovation alongside its traditional strengths.
Furthermore, Jepkosgei highlights the importance of mental preparation, noting that athletes in other countries are now training not only physically but also focusing on their mental fortitude. This holistic approach to training, she believes, is crucial for achieving sustained success at the highest level of competition.
The message from Jepkosgei is clear: Kenya must evolve if it is to keep up with the changing dynamics of global athletics. The country’s athletes must not only continue to nurture their raw talent but also embrace new technologies, training methods, and mental strategies to maintain their dominance on the world stage.
Jepkosgei’s warning is a call to action for Kenya’s athletics community. It’s a reminder that while Kenya has historically been a powerhouse in middle and long-distance running, the rest of the world is catching up. The future of Kenyan athletics depends on the willingness of coaches, athletes, and officials to adopt a forward-thinking approach to training and competition. Without a change in mindset and strategy, Kenya risks losing its edge to the growing number of competitors from around the world.
Chelsea will face FC Noah on Thursday night in a pivotal Conference League clash at Stamford Bridge. The match is Read more
Manchester United will host Greek side PAOK at Old Trafford in the Europa League on Thursday, marking Ruud van Nistelrooy's Read more
Sofapaka head coach Robert Matano expressed his disappointment with the officiating in their recent 1-1 draw against Police FC in Read more
Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprinting icon, recently voiced strong criticism toward athletes who resort to performance-enhancing drugs in the quest Read more
Masai Russell, the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalist in the women’s 100m hurdles, recently opened up about the immense challenges Read more
Jamaican sprint legend Gregory Haughton has shared insights on how Oblique Seville can regain his form and bounce back stronger Read more