‘Curfew’ in camp for Team Kenya as house opens
Silas Kiplagat celebrates after winning the 1,500 metres race during the national Olympic trials at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday. He will be among Team Kenya members who are to report to camp at Kasarani on June 26, 2012. Photo/MOHAMMED AMIN
Athletics team leader Joseph Kinyua has cautioned his charges against absconding the London Olympic camp without permission, saying such cases will be dealt with firmly.
He reiterated Sports Minister Paul Otuoma warning that no sideshows would be allowed in camp and that athletes must not ‘lose sight of the antelope’ as they go hunting.
Kinyua singled out athletes competing in any international event without clearance from coaches before the Olympics as the biggest side show.
“That antelope is the Olympic gold medal that is every athlete’s dream and sneaking out to compete in races without permission is like losing sight of the antelope,” said Kinyua.
The official added that he had held discussions with all the athletes and so far none has requested to compete in any international race.
“If there will be any then the case then the coaches will decide if it will add any value to the athlete performance at the London Olympic Games,” said Kinyua, who was the team leader when Kenya won the overall World Junior Championships title during the 2000 Santiago, 2006 Beijing and 2010 Moncton (Canada) events.
It was at the 2006 event that World champion and record holder David Rudisha perhaps launched his mounting track career with the two-lap race victory.
On Monday, Kinyua said they had given the athletes a one-week break to allow them rest and cool off the tension from Saturday’s national trials but the opening of the camp on Sunday saw them stay around.
“What we want is the best for the athletes, hence we want them to stay focused on the assignment ahead. We released them after the camp launch and they should return on time for State House visit.”
Want to run in competitive races
Several athletes – including the 800 metres duo of Olympic champion Pamela Jelimo and Janeth Jepkosgei, and 1,500m team members, World and Olympic champion Asbel Kiprop and Silas Kiplagat – would wish to compete in at least one competitive race before the London Olympics.
“I’d like to gauge myself either in London on July 14 or Monaco on July 20 but I’ll discuss with my coaches and manager,” said Kiplagat, the season’s fastest in 1,500m (3:29.63).
