High school student on changes in dietary plans ahead of World U20 Championships

Africa U18 2,000m steeplechase champion Emmanuel Lemiso has revealed how changes to his diet and training helped him bounce back from a lukewarm outing at the Kip Keino Classic to qualify for the World U20 Championships.

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The Narok County-born athlete sealed his place in Team Kenya after winning the 3,000m steeplechase at the Athletics Kenya (AK) trials in 8:35.30. His impressive performance came weeks after finishing second at the Kip Keino Classic in a time of 8:46.78.

Lemiso admitted that the Kip Keino Classic performance was a wake-up call that pushed him to work harder ahead of the trials.

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“I’m very happy with how I performed in the 3,000m steeplechase during the trials. I had competed at the Kip Keino Classic, where I finished second and did not perform as well as I had hoped.

That experience motivated me to go back to training, work harder, and eventually make the team,” Lemiso told Mozzart Sport.

The high school student explained that one of the biggest changes he made was adjusting his diet after realising the demands of steeplechase training were taking a toll on his body.

“After the Kip Keino Classic, I improved my diet because I realised I was using up a lot of energy in training. I also focused on strengthening my legs to improve my steeplechase jumps.

In terms of food, I added more greens and fruits and reduced my meat intake. As athletes, we don’t eat foods like githeri often, so I had to make adjustments,” he said.

Lemiso also disclosed that he has been working to improve his barrier clearance, an important aspect of the steeplechase, while managing a knee injury.

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“I am still working on how to clear the barriers, and that mainly involves strengthening my legs. It is a slow but sure process, and I believe I will get there.

I also did not perform at my absolute best during the trials because I have been dealing with a knee injury,” he offered.

The youngster will now shift focus to the World U20 Championships scheduled for Sunday, 2 to Sunday, 9 August in Eugene, Oregon, USA, where he will represent Kenya alongside Nicholas Kitum.

Despite his young age, Lemiso is heading to the global showpiece with confidence and the belief that he can challenge for top honours.

“When we go to Eugene, God willing, I will bring home gold. I am confident in myself and what I can achieve,” he said.

Lemiso also encouraged upcoming athletes to remain committed to their dreams regardless of the challenges they face.

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“I would like to encourage young people to keep working hard in training. No human being is limited, and no situation is permanent. Opportunities to race are everywhere, even in Narok,” he said.

The steeplechaser further credited his school, Raila Odinga Educational Centre, and coach for playing a key role in shaping his athletics journey.

“My school played a big role in helping me, and my coach has also been very supportive throughout the journey,” he concluded.