Africa champions chase Team Kenya slots in Eldoret

Maureen Jelegat in action during a training session on June 13, 2016 at Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Matthew Sawe, who claimed a rare Africa high jump title after jumping 2.21 metres, has said he will attempt to hit the Olympics qualifying mark of 2.28m during the trials.
  • One of Team Kenya coaches Joseph Ngure said his charges performed beyond anyone’s expectations.

Newly-crowned Africa champions and medallists who represented Kenya at Africa Athletics Championships have shifted gears to national trials starting on Thursday at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium, Eldoret.

Matthew Sawe, who claimed a rare Africa high jump title after jumping 2.21 metres, has said he will attempt to hit the Olympics qualifying mark of 2.28m during the trials.

“Were it not for cold weather in South Africa, I would have attained the mark,” Sawe said on Tuesday upon arrival from the African Championships that ended Sunday in Durban.

“The jump could have been higher but I felt alone since there was no pressure from the other finalists.”

There was celebration at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Monday when two Kenya Airways planes carrying the teams touched down at midnight. The third and final batch of athletes arrived Tuesday morning. 

Sawe, who holds the national record of 2.25m, claimed bronze in 2012 edition in Benin. “It’s such a great feeling to finally win the continental title. I hope to make it to the Olympics,” said Sawe. 

Already, Athletics Kenya officials are making plans for Sawe to compete out of the country to enable him hit the qualifying mark just in case he doesn’t hit the mark at the trials.

Douglas Kipserem and 2011 World Youth 2,000m steeplechase champion Norah Jeruto said they are ready for the big stage. They won men’s  5,000m and women’s 3,000m steeplechase with championship record times of 13:13.35 and 9:25.07 respectively.

OUT TO GRAB TICKET

Also spoiling for a battle in women’s 5,000m race is Sheila Chepkirui who won women’s 5,000m title in a championship record time of 15:05.45.

Reigning World Junior 800m champion Margaret Nyairera, who took silver in 400m, said she will use her experience in the short distance to snatch an Olympics ticket in women’s 800m trials.

Maureen Jelagat, who claimed silver in women’s 400m hurdles in an Olympic qualifying time of 56.12 in Durban, will compete in her speciality at the trials even though she is the only qualifier in 400m.

Athletics Kenya was to consider giving Africa 10,000m champion Alice Aprot a wild card in women’s 10,000m after she won in a championship record time of 30:26.94.

Jeruto, 20, said winning in Durban on her first outing as a senior athlete has inspired her to aim higher ahead of the national trials.

“Despite the short time, I am still in good shape. I know it will be an explosive battle but we are ready,” said Jeruto.

One of Team Kenya coaches Joseph Ngure said his charges performed beyond anyone’s expectations.