Let’s build on Abidjan success ahead of U-20 world champs

Apart from the doping curse that can’t seem to go away, I must say we are very much on track as far as churning out of talent is concerned going by the last week’s results in the just concluded Africa under-18 and under-20 Championships in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Kenya bagged 46 medals including - 19 gold, 16 silver and 11 bronze medals. In the Under-20 championships, Kenya bagged a total of 13 gold, 10 silver and five bronze medals while in the Under-18, Kenya bagged six gold, six silver and five bronze medals.

These are good results especially for the Under-18 athletes who will represent the country at the World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi next year.

The boys and girls no doubt showed some level of confidence and self-belief ahead of the Nairobi event.

However, it’s important to note that this did not just happen overnight. It is as a result of combined effort between the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) and Athletics Kenya (AK).

Nonetheless, we still need to do more as a country to build on these performances if we are to do well in next year’s Under-20 world event.

As it is at the moment, we are running late with the preparations and the faster we act, the better. Remember the numbers for the Nairobi event will be double the team that travelled to Abidjan.

We will require athletes in each and every event and that is why preparations must have begun like yesterday. In fact to keep the athletes, who have just returned from Ivory Coast in shape, we will require a lot of effort and financial support.

For the Under-20 team, who won even more medals, it’s time to up their preparations in readiness for the big stage. This is considering the fact that we have lost some of our key athletes through retirement and even doping.

The youngsters have to be ready to step into the big shoes as they get ready for the World Athletics Championships in August and 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.

We have a good foundation for our forthcoming events but the future will be determined with how we handle matters going forward.

At the moment, preparing Team Kenya for next year’s Under-20 show is the priority and the authorities concerned must act immediately.

Of course, it will be a shame for us to host such a big event and at the same time underperform. We must build on the results from Ivory Coast and ensure our boys and girls stay on the track.