Kenya spoilt for choice ahead of major events

It sounds weird that we are organising the Commonwealth Games trials this early. This event has always been held in July, and I know it’s hard for most people to adjust to the situation that sees us hold them this weekend.

Remember, this year’s Commonwealth Games are being held in April for the first ever, and a lot of things are bound to change. Athletes have to change their programmes because usually, this is around the period the athletes start training, or rather getting into the rhythm.

Well, as they say, change is inevitable and we have no choice but to adjust accordingly.

I can't wait for the trials this weekend at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. As usual, we are using the trials to pick “Team Kenya” to the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, which will run from April 4-15.

LIBERTY TO DECIDE

I recommend that we don’t read too much in who is competing or who is not.

While we have a packed calendar this year, I guess competition is a choice and athletes have the liberty to decide what is good for them.

Of course, competing for the nation is always priority and I recommend that all our top runners consider flying the nation’s flag.

However, the Commonwealth Games will not be the only top notch event this year as we have events like the Africa Cross Country Championships, World Indoor Championships and World Half Marathon Championships in the next two months.

This means dividing the athletes to cover all the tasks available. For example, the likes of Geoffrey Kamworor and Joyciline Jepkosgei, among others, have opted for the World Half Marathon Championships while many others will be torn between World Indoor Championships and the Commonwealth Games.

I know some will want to double and that is why we will have to consider offering wild cards especially to those who want to compete indoors and the Commonwealth Games. Of course, a few top runners may opt out but that doesn’t make the games any lesser.

The truth of the matter is that the Commonwealth Games Federation intends to lift the standards of the games to attract more top class runners and that would be a step in the right direction. All the same, we will still blend youth and experience as we seek to remain on top of the world in as far as athletics is concerned.

The good thing is that we have the talent and sometimes it does not really matter who is running as victory is almost guaranteed. I hope we will all turn out in large numbers to supports our athletes this weekend.

Korir, Athletics Kenya’s Nairobi branch chairman, is also head of Kenya’s team to the 2018 Commonwealth Games: [email protected]