Budding junior athletes training in Kericho County have vowed to shine in the upcoming national trials bid to qualify for Team Kenya ahead of the World Athletics U20 Championships that will be staged in Eugene, Oregon, United States in August.
The team of four is hopeful of posting impressive personal best times in their respective track disciplines during the upcoming national trials slated for 21st to 23rd May 2026 at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.
In an interview with KNA at Kericho Teachers Training grounds on Tuesday , Athletics Kenya (AK) First Vice Chairman Kericho branch Gabriel Kiptanui expressed confidence that the athletes will post excellent results from their respective track disciplines citing their discipline and commitment during trainings.
“I have no doubt that the four budding athletes will deliver excellent results during the upcoming national trials. I have keenly observed their dedication and discipline, which are key ingredients not only for excellent performances but also for securing qualification to Team Kenya.” he said.
Kiptanui who doubles up as a coach said the region has great potential in producing great athletes.
Among the four budding athletes, Gedion Kiptoo, 17, said the event will serve as a launching pad for greatness in his 800metres track discipline and expressed confidence in attaining a personal best time of 1:49 and securing qualification to Team Kenya.
“While at Chagaik Secondary School, I started competing actively in school races while in Form Three and Form Four and I emerged victorious in most of the competitions. This greatly motivated me and after completing my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) last year I decided to pursue running as a full time career. During the national trials held in Nakuru last year, I posted a personal best of 1: 51 in the 800 meters race and I am confident of improving to 1: 49 in the upcoming national trial and securing qualification to Team Kenya.” said Kiptoo.
He thanked Coach Kiptanui for his support and urged upcoming athletes to work hard and put God first in their training.
Coach Kiptanui has produced a number of top track stars among them the reigning Beatrice Chepkoech, long distance runner and four time gold medalist Mercy Cherono, 2024 New York City Marathon title holder Sheila Chepkirui , a middle distance runner who won the 800 metres race in his Diamond League debut in 2014 Robert Kiptoo Biwott among other seasoned athletes
The World Athletics U20 Championships will be held from 5th to 9th August 2026 and is designed to showcase the best junior athletes aged 19 or younger in the world.
By Sarah Njagi
