Kemboi leads runners out in time for fete

FILE | NATION
Ezekiel Kemboi displays his 3,000 metres steeplechase gold medal at the World Athletics championships in Berlin in August last year. His compatriot Kipkemboi Mateelong won silver. Kemboi is the overall team captain to the October 3-14 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

A Kenyan contingent of 18 middle- and long distance athletes left yesterday for the Commonwealth Games which start in Delhi on Monday with hopes of arriving in time for tomorrow’s opening ceremony.

Another 20 officials and athletes in the middle- and long distance races, the fifth batch of Team Kenya, fly out today to join over 200 other Kenyans in India.

The team that left Thursday was led by overall team captain Ezekiel Kemboi, who said he was optimistic Kenya will sweep the podium in the steeplechase.

He however lamented their treatment by the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Nock), saying: “We cannot be ambushed that ‘you are leaving now and forget about the training programme’. Nock needs to be serious and treat us better.”

Two-time African steeplechase champion Richard Mateelong echoed the captain’s words, saying local organisation was below standard.

“We were all prepared to fly out on Friday but today morning we were told that we must leave (immediately). What if somebody had (stepped out) and was not in camp? Such plans need to be made in advance so that everyone knows what is happening,” said Mateelong.

Mateelong, also the world silver medallist, remained upbeat he will do well in Delhi but noted that the water and hurdle event will be Kenya’s to lose.

“We have all prepared well and now look to finish off the job in India. Challenges are bound to arise but I believe the Kenyan team is a strong one.”

Relishing first show at games

A team of 15 local track and field contestants will link up with the earlier contingent of 139 athletes and officials while the other 20 leave on Friday.

Former World 5,000m champion Eliud Kipchoge, who replaced Edwin Soi in the team, said he is relishing the challenge on his first show at the games, which have attracted athletes from 54 countries.

“I have never been to the Commonwealth Games before. This will be a new experience for me and I do not want to underrate anyone even if some top athletes have pulled out,” said Kipchoge. Among those who left yesterday were Mark Kiptoo, Brimin Kipruto, Vincent Yator, Milcah Chemos, Winnie Chebet, Viola Kibiwott and Gladys Kemboi. Others were David Kimutai, Josephat Sirma, Sylvanus Wekesa, Grace Wanjiru and Emily Ngii.

Some other track and field athletes will also fly out on Friday with marathoners and sevens rugby team set to depart next week.

With 153 athletes and 90 officials due in Delhi, Kenya has entered its biggest squad ever in the history of the ‘Club’ Games, which will cost it over Sh150 million. Only 56 of the officials have their roles known yet, travelling as either coaches or technical officials invited to officiate in the games.
Over 30 government and Nock officials are in India to oversee the ‘smooth performance’ of the team.

In Melbourne in 2006, Kenya finished 15th with six gold, five silver and two bronze medals in track and field and three bronze in boxing.
The withdrawal of some of its elite athletes – including David Rudisha, Janeth Jepkosgei, Edwin Soi, Linet Masai and Asbel Kiprop – Kenya will be under pressure to weather the storm and put in big show.
The team will seek to join the big boys Canada, India, South Africa, Australia and England in the top six.