AK selects 53 athletes for Africa Youth and Junior Championships, targets winning it all

Athletics Kenya- the governing body for the sport of athletics (track and field) in Kenya- on Saturday afternoon selected a group of 53 athletes that will represent the country in the 2023 Africa Youth and Junior Championships set for April 29 to May 3 in Lusaka, Zambia.

Among the notable names making the list is Isaac Omurwa, winner of the men’s 100 meters in a time of 10.26 seconds and brother to Kenyan sprint sensation and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Ferdinand Omanyala.

"Congrats Isaac Omurwa for making it to the Africa junior team,” Ferdinand Omayala congratulated his younger brother on Twitter. “So proud of you small bro. All the best at the junior African champs.Thank you coach Duncan for making sure the family name stays up there in junior and senior level.”

Seventeen-year-old Amos Kipkurui also made the cut after winning the men’s 10000m U20 race on Saturday with a time of 28:33.87 ahead of Dennis Mutuku (28:38.83) who also made it to the final squad.

Speaking after the two-day trials that commenced on Friday April 7, Athletics Kenya Director of Youth Development Barnabas Korir was delighted with how the event had panned out and placed some expectation on the selected team.

“I would say it has been a good two days for us because we have gauged where we are,” Korir said. “Some areas are very good and strong but some we need to look into.”

On the team’s expectations, Korir was confident that the team will perform better than the team that finished second in the Under 18 and Under 20 Championships held in Ivory Coast in 2019.

“It is time to reclaim our spot,” the former athlete said. “We know that we will face strong opposition especially in the field and sprints events from Ethiopia, Uganda and South Africa but I believe we are ready to compete.”

The Kenyan team, arguably in a ‘transition stage’ as per Korir, with few names from the 2019 squad that finished first runners up to the eventual champions South Africa, is expected to enter a special camp on Tuesday April 8 till April 27 before embarking on the trip to Lusaka.

“We are taking over 50 athletes and some will be included from the U20 team in Cali just to add some experience,” Korir said. “It is not just about the numbers but fielding a proper team.”

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With the fourth edition of the Kip Keino Classic now days away, Korir promised the media that the organization will on Tuesday be releasing the names of athletes who have committed to participating in the May 13 event after having a meeting with the Local Organizing Committee.

“We will announce the team so that Kenyans can see and prepare themselves to fill the stadium," Korir concluded.

SELECTED TEAM.

Under 18s

100m - Jackline Nguyo, Sharon Moraa, Selfa Ajiambo, 200m - Sharon Moraa, Dennis Kiprono, 400m - Samuel Toili, Phanuel Kipkosgei, Daisy Chepngetich, Dorcas Isoe, 400m H - Amos Kipkemei, 1500m - Janet Chepkemoi, Mary Nyaboke, Joseph Kipkirui, Brian Muange, 3000m - Nancy Cherop, Joyline Chepkemoi, 2000m SC - Edmond Serem, Evans Kipkosgei, Diana Chepkemoi, Judy Chepkoech, Javelin - Christine Musembi, 10000m Walk Race - Daniel Ekai.

Under 20s

100m - Isaac Omurwa, 200m - Joseph Lenkoima, Damaris Nduleve, 400m - Damaris Nduleve, 800m - Dominic Kiptoo, Brian Kiptum, Everlyne Chepkoech, Judy Kemunto, 1500m - Peninah Mutisya, Sheila Chebet, Gilbert Rono, Ernest Kiprotich, Reynold Kipkorir, 3000m SC- Pamela Kosgei, Solomon Mutisya, Emmanuel Wafula, 5000m - Vincent Kipruto, Shadrack Rono, Michael Rotich, 10000m - Amos Kipkirui, Samuel Kibathi, Shadrack Rono, 10000m Walk Race - Stephen Ngangili, Javelin - Irine Jepkemboi.