Kithome, Wanyonyi punch World Under-20 extravaganza tickets

Southern's Peter Kithome was a cut above his peers when he lined up for a shot at the men's 400m hurdles qualification for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships due on August 17-22 at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani. 

With the qualification time set at 53:30, Kithome made sure that his inclusion in team Kenya comes by merit as he clocked 51.53 to book his ticket. 

"It has been yet journey to qualifying for this championship. I am grateful for the chance my chance and for the coaches for helping me get to this level. Despite winning today, I am am not satisfied with the time set because I wanted to go faster. I go back to training with that in mind as I look to do the better in the championship. It will be great to compete at home with the fans cheering us and my target will be becoming a World medalist," Kithome offered after the race.

Meanwhile, two-time Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) 10,000m national walk race silver medalist Hemstone Wanyonyi clocked 42:47.5 to become the new national junior champion in race walking.

The immediate former student in Ortum Boys in West Pokot County says he wants to represent Kenya with pride during the championship next month. Keyborn Obato who was second during the Under 20 national trials also qualified for the global event after clocking 45:55.2.

"With the help of my coach, I have been able to improve on my walking techniques. I will not relax but train hard to become a better champion," Wanyonyi.

Margaret Gati of Nyanza South won the women title in 48.43.8 beating the qualification time of 50.30

Meanwhile, Zeddy Chesire from Central Rift managed an impressive 1.68m in the women’s high jump, on Thursday, to make the cut despite falling short on the qualification mark of 1.82m.

“I am happy with my performance. It is my prayer to participate at the World Under-20 Championships. Having represented Kenya twice at the East African School Games in 2018 and 2019, I am happy to make the national team,” said Chesire, an alumnus of AIC Cheptonon Secondary School.

Athletics Kenya (AK) Director for Youth and Development Barnaba Korir said Kenya being the host nation is being allowed to enter athletes in disciplines despite falling short of the qualifying standards. Chesire edged Dar-Ziv Nyah Jemeli who also jumped 1.68m on a tie-break.

In the men’s event, Sid Imani Varkland scaled 2.04m.

“My target was to hit the 2.07m mark, but I was pleased with what I achieved today,” said the sprinter-turned high jumper.

"We will pick those who have come close to meeting the qualification standards especially in the events that we have been struggling with like the sprints and field events,” Korir said.