Impressive Ndigiti retains crown at Nyanza games

Samson Ndigiti in action in the 10,000 meters race walk during the Nyanza Region Secondary Schools Term One Games at Sawagongo High School on March 22, 2018. PHOTO | TONNY OMONDI |

What you need to know:

  • The form three student at Kiendege Secondary School in Kisii County, led from the start to finish, winning in 42minutes and 07 seconds. It was an an improvement from last year's event, which he won in a time of 47 minutes.
  • He was followed at a distance by Edwin Nyambarora of Nami High School, who clocked 47minutes and 29seconds , leaving Samson Ouma of Uyawi Secondary to settle for the third position after timing 49minutes and 16seconds.

World Under-18 race walk bronze medallist Samson Ndigiti comfortably retained his 10,000m walk race title at the Nyanza Region Term One Secondary School games at Sawagongo High School in Siaya on Thursday.

The form three student at Kiendege Secondary School in Kisii County, led from the start to finish, winning in 42minutes and 07 seconds. It was an an improvement from last year's event, which he won in a time of 47 minutes.

He was followed at a distance by Edwin Nyambarora of Nami High School, who clocked 47minutes and 29seconds , leaving Samson Ouma of Uyawi Secondary to settle for the third position after timing 49minutes and 16seconds.

Ndigiti, who is also the national champion, said he was impressed with the win and is aiming to defend his title in Embu next month.

"From last year's walk race, I have improved with about five minutes which is really encouraging to me. I am very happy and now my focus is to work hard to win upcoming races and to improve on my time," said Ndigiti.

In the boys' 10,000m, Erick Nyambane of Kiendege Secondary held off a strong challenge to win in 30 minutes and 46seconds, ahead of his close competitor Victor Kimutai of Keberesi Secondary, who crossed the finish line in 30minutes and 50 seconds. Dennis Ogonga of Naya Secondary was third in 31minutes and 43seconds.

In the girls' 400m hurdles, Mogonga Secondary School dominated proceedings as they scooped the first two positions in a very closely contested race.

Vanice Nyangisera triumphed in 1 minute and 03 seconds ahead of her compatriot Yoventima Nyangera, who clocked 1minute and 06 seconds. Peris Onchuru of Manga Secondary sealed third position with a time of 1 minute and 08 seconds.

In the boys' category, Richard Onyimbo of Bongonta Secondary won in 55.50 seconds ahead of Raphael Mogaka of Ikoronga Secondary who clocked 55.62 seconds.

In the girls' 5,000m, Lucy Gitenya of Ombera Secondary School had to fight hard to win in 18 minutes and 17seconds, just seven seconds ahead of Frida Abuga of Miriri Secondary, while Maureen Micha of Mogonga Secondary finished third in 18 minutes and 52 seconds.

In the field events, as expected, national secondary school games shot put champion Peninah Akoth of Osingo Mixed triumphed with a throw of 12.25meters.

"I am happy to win because being the defending champion, much focus was on me. I also did not want to disappoint my coach and therefore gave it my best."

Belinda Oburu and Valary Anyango took the second and third slots throwing 11 meters and 10.79 meters respectively.

In boys' High Jump, Geoffrey Rono won with a jump of 1.80meter, while Erick Rono was second with 1.77meters.

In Friday's even, fireworks are expected in the girls’ 100m, 200m and relay races, where World Under-18 400m silver medallist Mary Moraa will face 2017 national school games 100m silver medallist Beatrice Anyang’o.

Speaking to Nation Sport, Moraa exuded confidence of beating Anyang'o in all the races.

"Victory is a sure bet, I want to suprise her (Anyang'o) this time round in all the races," said Moraa.

Other races slated for Friday are boys' 10,000m, 5,000 m and 10,000m girls race walk.