The Kenyan athletics team is all set for the journey to Trinidad and Tobago for the upcoming 2023 Youth Games, scheduled to take place from 4th to 11th of August.
Led by the seasoned athletics youth coach, Robert Ngisarei, the team is brimming with confidence and are determined to secure medals in this prestigious international event.
The Kenyan team is fueled by their recent success at the Africa U18 athletics championships held in Ndola, Zambia, where they showcased their exceptional talent and finished third on the medal table, bagging an impressive 33 medals.
Among the athletes leading the charge is the male team captain, Amos Kipkemoi, who displayed his prowess by winning Bronze and Silver in the 400m hurdles and 4×400 mixed relay events in Ndola Zambia. He is eager to join forces with teammate Kelvin Kimutai, who also delivered an outstanding performance in the previous games and hopes to replicate their success in the upcoming tournament in Port of Spain.
Speaking to the captain he exuded confidence in the team’s ability to do well and thanked his coach Robert for the effort put in so far in camp.
“I would like to first of all like to thank my coach for the effort he has put in so far for the team. Looking at my teammates and the shape they are in I am confident that we will make the nation proud by bringing home medals when we go to Trinidad and Tobago” he said.
In the 3000m category, Andrey Kiptoo Alamisi and Josephat Kipkirui Sang will be carrying the mantle, demonstrating their strength and determination to excel in the international arena. Kipkirui Sang will also be doubling up in the 1500m event, showcasing his versatility and dedication to competing at the highest level.
The Women’s team is equally well-prepared and boasts a remarkable depth in junior games experience. Four medalists from their recent competition in Zambia have been selected, including Nancy Cherop, who delivered an outstanding performance, winning an impressive treble with three gold medals in the 3000m, 1500m, and 800m events.
Janet Chepkoech secured a silver medal in both the 1500m and 800m events, while Daisy Chepgetich earned a well-deserved bronze in the 800m category. Additionally, Caroline Anyango will be looking to continue her excellent form, having bagged a silver medal in javelin during the Zambia championships.
Coach Robert Ngisarei expressed his confidence in the team’s abilities, emphasizing their hard work, dedication, and talent. He stated, “We have a group of exceptionally talented young athletes who have shown great potential. With their commitment and the support from the NOC-K staff, we believe they can make Kenya proud on the international stage.
The coach is happy with the fitness levels of the athletes after monitoring the selected athletes since they came back from Ndola.
“We agreed to select the team for the commonwealth Youth Games after the Ndola championship based on performance. And that is what we did. I have been monitoring their progress by visiting them in training and working with their local coaches. So I’m happy with what I have seen,” said the coach.
Ngiserei added that he has very high hopes in the 4x400m mixed relay team that has a good mix of athletes.
“we picked one sprinter, one hurdler, two runners in the 800m, that is the girl, and one 1500m runner. We have 1500m athletes on standby, just in case,” explained the coach.
The team will train for 10 days at Kasarani before departure for Trinidad and Tobago.
