Kenya can do better

Kenya’s dominance in age-group competition in athletics is evident.

From long distance to the sprint races and field events, Kenya has done well at the world and continental junior championships.

However, this prowess suddenly vanishes when the athletes graduate to the senior ranks, especially in the sprints and field events.

Last week, Kenya picked its national team for the World Junior Championship in Canada next month.

It is expected that while those in the middle and long distance races will continue to flourish, those in sprints and field events will disappear from the limelight even before their 20th birthday.

It is important that Athletics Kenya put up structures that will help develop athletes in this cadre so that they too, can prosper.

Over-reliance on long distance races is unwise and there is a need to diversify to other events.

There must be a system, outside the school programme, in which athletes can be trained in sprints once they are through with formal education.

Athletics Kenya also needs to solicit for equipment and technical staff to help put up academies and camps that will support runners in the short distances.

It is only through this that Kenya’s medal basket can balloon during international competitions like the Olympics and world championships.