Athletics Kenya has pledged quality preparation, athlete welfare and safeguarding after presenting Team Kenya’s junior athletes with official competition kits at their residential training camp ahead of the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene.
Kenya’s preparations for the World Athletics U20 Championships gathered momentum on Sunday after the national junior team received their official competition kits at their residential training camp at Kasarani Sports View Hotel.
The championships will be held in Eugene, Oregon, from 5 to 9 August, bringing together the world’s leading under-20 athletes.
The kit presentation marked another important milestone in Team Kenya’s build-up to the global competition.
Federation reaffirms support
Athletics Kenya Youth Development Director Barnaba Korir presided over the ceremony alongside coaches and team officials.
He assured the athletes that the federation remains fully committed to supporting them throughout their preparations and during the championships.
“Today marks an important milestone in your journey to the World Athletics U20 Championships. As you receive these kits, remember that you will be carrying Kenya’s flag and the hopes of millions of Kenyans on the global stage,” Korir said.
He said Athletics Kenya would continue providing quality training and competition gear while ensuring the athletes’ welfare remained a priority.
“Our responsibility is to create an environment where you can focus on training and competing. We are committed to providing the support you need so that you can perform at your very best.”
Korir also reiterated the federation’s commitment to safeguarding young athletes.
“Safeguarding is not optional. It is a responsibility. We want every athlete to train and compete in a safe, respectful and supportive environment throughout this journey.”
Balanced squad for Eugene
Kenya has assembled a team combining experienced junior performers with emerging talent across middle-distance, long-distance and sprint events.
The girls’ 5,000m team comprises Cynthia Chepkurui and Joyline Chepkemoi, while Nehemiah Kipng’eno and Frankline Kibet will contest the boys’ race.
Faith Cherotich and Mercy Chepng’eno have been selected for the girls’ 3,000m, with Emmanuel Kiprono and Elkanah Sanutia representing Kenya in the boys’ event.
Josephine Sembeyo and Caren Chepchirchir will compete in the women’s 1,500m, while Wilson Chepkwech and David Kapaiko line up in the men’s race.
The steeplechase squad includes Anatasha Cheptoo and Mercy Chepng’eno in the girls’ race, alongside Emmanuel Lemiso and Nicholas Kitum in the boys’ event.
Nancy Chepng’etich and Nancy Kibet will contest the women’s 800m, while Nashon Pkiach and Collins Tentera have been selected for the men’s race.
Kenya will also be represented by Louis Khawel in the boys’ 100m and by Nancy Kibet and Judith Sapato in the women’s 400m.
Eyes on the world stage
For many of the athletes, receiving the official Team Kenya kit was more than a ceremonial occasion.
It symbolised years of sacrifice, discipline and determination.
The residential camp at Kasarani Sports View Hotel has now entered a crucial phase as coaches fine-tune race tactics, sharpen fitness and prepare the athletes mentally for the challenge that awaits in Eugene.
Athletics Kenya believes that combining quality preparation with strong athlete welfare and safeguarding will give the team the best platform to succeed against the world’s finest junior athletes.
When Team Kenya lines up in Eugene next month, the athletes will not only be chasing medals.
They will also be seeking to uphold Kenya’s proud athletics tradition while announcing themselves as the country’s next generation of champions.
