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L. MathekaKenyan sprinter wins in Uganda but falls short on goal
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 25.04.21. | 10:36
He clocked a personal best 10.11s in 100m and 20.46s over 200m at the National Heroes stadium in Zambia earlier this month
Former national 100m record holder Mark Otieno's search for Olympics qualifying times continues as his trip to Uganda yielded a win but not the 10.05 time he is chasing.
10.17s for the short impromptu detour I took to Uganda. Thankyou Uganda Athletics Federation for letting me grace your nationals. Next stop is @wasilesia21 . This time for real. ???????? https://t.co/n2UQjFAPQD
— Mark otieno (@Markotieno14) April 24, 2021
Otieno is looking to become the first Kenyan to race in the 100m at the Olympics, a record he has already achieved in the World Championships, having participated in the 2017 edition of the games.
Zambia, a warm country with warm people. I genuinely enjoyed my stay here and ran a personal best of 10.11. What a Blessing and Honor it was! Next stop world relays in @wasilesia21 @ National Heroes Stadium https://t.co/yPpEJhZ7dW
— Mark otieno (@Markotieno14) April 11, 2021
In Uganda where he competed in both 100m and 200m, the 27-year old managed, a 10.17 in the final, after clocking 10.25 in the heats. He capped his trip to Kampala with a 20.67 in the 200m.
"The conditions were good but I did not manage the time I am chasing. I'm looking forward to the next event. I have since shifted my focus to the World Athletics Relays in Poland," said Otieno.
“London was mind-blowing for me. Participating on that stage certainly changed me. Local meets seemed very easy mentally after that.”
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) July 11, 2020
Mark Odhiambo ready for more experiences on the big stage????
????:https://t.co/Nt2Q0Fb6Lc pic.twitter.com/9GlVSIGK3i
He is part of Team Kenya to the World Athletics Relays set for May 1 to 2 at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzow, Poland. The event will see more than 1000 athletes across 127 relay teams from 37 countries compete.
Mark will line up for the Kenyan team in 4x200m alongside Dan Kaviasi, Elijah Matayo, Mike Mokamba and Hesbon Ochieng.
Kenya will field teams in the men’s and women’s 4x200m and 4x400m, mixed 4x400m, 2x2x400m and shuttle hurdles relay. World Athletics granted Athletics Kenya permission to field the men's team in 4x400 meters relay competition. The team had not qualified but AK had written to WA requesting for inclusion.
