Cali2022: Temoi, Kimosong promise evasive 3000m title in U20 Championships

Kenya missed out on gold in the men's 3000m at the World Under-20 Athletics Championships held at Kasarani last year but this year's squad is promising to change that. 

Michael Temoi and Edwin Kimosong carry Kenya's hopes of bagging a medal in the distance but dethroning the Ethiopians who raced to a 1-2 dominance at Kasarani will be no mean feat. 

Cali22: Cherotich, Wafula promise to defend Kenya's steeplechase gold in Colombia

The West-Pokot based Temoi, who clocked 7:50.01 to cut the tape first ahead of Kimosong who timed 7:50.71, says the status quo will not remain as he looks to win Kenya a medal in Cali. 

"I had been battling an injury coming into the trials but after the time I posted to win, I feel okay and ready to challenge for a medal in Cali. I want to bring home the gold that went to Ethiopia last year," said Temoi. 

The athlete had a rallying call to Athletics Kenya (AK) urging the federation to give the time enough time in camp so they can train together and strategize for their races. 

Additionally, he called on the organiser to allow athletes access to their coaches, even while in camp to make preparations easier as adapting to another coaching style could prove tough. 

"I got to train with a group during the AK-organised holiday camps. I was based in West-Pokot and the impact of such early preparations can be felt. Having a group to prepare with was very beneficial and I have improved tremendously," added Temoi. 

Team Kenya to Cali hit camp on Thursday 7 July ahead of the 2 to 6 August championship that will see the country chase an overall title defence. 

The team of 28 athletes, 14 women and a similar number of men was received by team manager Joseph Ilovi, head coach Robert Ngisirei and sprints coach Perpetual Mbutu at Riadha House before proceeding to camp at Sportsview Hotel where they will be based for the next three weeks.

With Kenya having topped the medal standings with 11 medals (six gold, four silver, one bronze) in Tampere, Finland in 2018 before successfully defending the title on home soil with 16 medals (Eight gold, One silver & seven bronze) in 2021, coach Ngisirei is confident the team is up to task to bag a third consecutive crown.