Rising stars position themselves for global show

George Manangoi and Lydia Jeruto are among the top athletes expected for next week’s World Under-20 Championships trials in Nairobi.

They will be among a galaxy of stars seeking to graduate from Kenya’s good outing at last year’s global under-18 competition held in Nairobi.

The two-day Athletics Kenya trials will be held at Kasarani on Monday and Tuesday.

Manangoi, the world under-18 champion in the 1,500 metres, has been training in Rongai and hopes his foray into the senior IAAF Diamond League series will hold him in good stead.

“I have been able to showcase my talent and the experience I got in the Diamond League races is enough for me to meet with other athletes next week as I seek a place in the Kenyan team,” said Manangoi.

Jeruto, silver medallist in the 800m at last year’s under-18 meet, has been training in Torongo, Baringo County, and is optimistic the training has been good enough for the trials.

“I know there are many upcoming athletes and competition will be stiff but my training has been good and my target is to be in the top three to make the team,” said Jeruto who shifted to Nakuru County for speed work.

“I shifted my training from Torongo to Nakuru County to acclimatize and work on my speed. Torongo is very cold and I wanted to balance in terms of long runs and speed work,” said the 18-year-old athlete form Eldama Ravine.

The enterprising duo of Edward Zakayo and Stanley Mburu, who won silver and bronze respectively in 3,000m during last year’s under-18s, will renew their rivalry in 5,000m.

Zakayo won bronze in 5,000m at Gold Coast Commonwealth Games while Mburu made a grand entry to the Diamond league in Shanghai on May 12, finishing in an impressive third place.

Zakayo lost the battle to World 10,000m silver medallist Joshua Cheoptegei, who sealed a double in 5,000m and 10,000m in Gold Coast, and Mohamed Ahmed from Canada. Mburu lost in Shanghai to Birhanu Balew of Bahrain and Kenyan born Paul Chelimo of USA, who is the Olympic 5,000m silver medallist.

Athletics Kenya Youth and Development chairman Barnaba Korir disclosed that the youngsters are inspired to graduate to junior ranks in style.

“Vetting will be done at Riadha House on Sunday starting at 12pm. Age cheating will not be tolerated,” warned Korir adding that submission of al regional athletes but be done by Saturday.