Team Kenya is set to jet out on Saturday night for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, which will take place from August 27th to 31st. The 21-member team, comprising 10 women and 11 men, will be departing in two batches, with the first group leaving at 10:50 p.m. and the second batch at 11:59 p.m. on a KLM flight. This global event promises to be a pivotal moment for these young athletes as they aim to showcase their talents on the world stage.
Under the guidance of head coach Robert Ng’isirei, the team has been rigorously preparing for the championships during a residential training camp at the Kasarani stadium in Nairobi. The athletes have been in camp for over two weeks, honing their skills and building team camaraderie. The team was officially flagged off by the Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen, who expressed confidence in the athletes’ ability to perform well and uphold Kenya’s esteemed reputation in athletics.
Kenya’s participation in the World Athletics Under-20 Championships is particularly significant as the country will be defending three titles won at the 2022 edition held in Cali, Colombia. The titles include the men’s 1500m, women’s 3000m, and women’s 3000m steeplechase (3000m SC) events. These victories were a testament to Kenya’s dominance in middle and long-distance running, and the current team is determined to maintain this legacy.
Leading the charge for Kenya are two standout athletes: Edmund Serem and Sarah Moraa. Serem, who won a silver medal in the 3000m steeplechase at the 2024 Africa Senior Athletics Championships, is one of the key athletes expected to bring home a medal. His experience and tenacity on the track make him a formidable competitor. Moraa, who clinched a gold medal in the 800m at the same African championships, will also be looking to continue her winning streak in Lima. Both athletes are well-prepared and motivated to make their mark on the global stage.
The competition in Lima will be intense, with over 900 athletes from 135 countries participating in the five-day championships. The event, being hosted in South America for the second consecutive edition, presents a unique opportunity for young athletes to gain international exposure and experience. For Team Kenya, the championships are not only a chance to defend their titles but also an opportunity to identify and nurture future stars in athletics.
Kenya has a storied history in athletics, particularly in middle and long-distance events, and the Under-20 Championships have often served as a launching pad for future Olympic and World Championship medalists. Athletes such as Faith Kipyegon and David Rudisha made their mark in similar events before going on to achieve global success. The current team is aware of the weight of expectations on their shoulders and is keen to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors.
The preparation for the championships has been comprehensive, with the athletes undergoing intensive training sessions under the watchful eyes of their coaches. The training camp at Kasarani has focused on both physical conditioning and mental preparedness, ensuring that the athletes are in peak form for the championships. The support from the government, through the Ministry of Sports, has also been crucial in providing the necessary resources and encouragement to the team.
As the athletes depart for Peru, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of a nation. The World Athletics Under-20 Championships are not just about winning medals but also about personal growth, development, and representing the country with pride. The entire nation will be cheering them on as they compete against the world’s best young athletes.
In conclusion, Team Kenya is well-prepared and determined to excel at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Lima. With a strong contingent of athletes, a dedicated coaching staff, and the unwavering support of their country, the team is poised to make a significant impact in Peru. As they embark on this journey, the entire nation wishes them the best of luck and success in their quest for glory.
