On-form sprinter Samuel Chege explains missing Commonwealth Games qualification

Former national 200m champion Samuel Chege has revealed what cost him a place at the 2026 Commonwealth Games despite enjoying one of the best seasons of his career.

Download our Mozzart Sport app for more news

Chege explained that his body failed to respond as expected during the Athletics Kenya trials held last weekend.

The Nakuru-born sprinter narrowly missed out on qualification for the Games, set to run from Thursday, 23 July to Sunday, 2 August in Glasgow, Scotland, after finishing fourth in the men's 200m final.

Noah Lyles’ opens up after landing roles at inaugural Ultimate Championships

Chege looked on course for qualification after an impressive start to the competition. He won his opening heat in 20.92 seconds before lowering his time to 20.60 to top his semifinal.

However, he could not replicate that form in the final, crossing the finish line in 21.08 seconds to finish behind winner Zablon Ekwam, Elkana Sabila, and Calistus Juma. Ekwam and Sabila secured Kenya's two available Commonwealth Games slots in the event.

Reflecting on the disappointment, Chege admitted his body let him down at the crucial moment, though he took comfort in achieving another personal milestone this season.

"I missed out on a Commonwealth Games slot in the 200m because my body wasn't responding the way I had hoped. Despite that setback, I managed to register a personal best, which gives me confidence that I'm moving in the right direction," Chege said.

Despite missing out on the individual event, Chege ended the trials on a high by helping Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) win the men's 4x400m relay title. Running the anchor leg, he guided the military side to victory in 3:14.73.

The sprinter remained upbeat about his future, insisting the setback would only motivate him as he targets upcoming competitions.

Major blow looms for Kenyan athletes as Paris Diamond League faces cancellation

"Overall, I have had a good season. I want to thank my coach and my support system for believing in me and helping me chase my dream.

Although I didn't qualify for the Commonwealth Games, I know there will be another opportunity, and I still have several races ahead," he said.

Chege also paid tribute to his teammates, Ferdinand Omanyala and Isaac Omurwa, describing them as the driving force behind his progress.

"My support system is made up of my teammates; they are like brothers to me. We keep pushing each other every day, and I appreciate everything they have done to help us improve,” he said.

The Nakuru native also used the opportunity to appeal to Governor Susan Kihika to broaden support for sports development beyond football.

"I want to urge Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika to support all sports, not just football, but athletics as well. With her support, we can reach the highest level and make Nakuru proud," he added.

US-based Kenyan runner explains pain fueling him ahead of Commonwealth Games

Although the Commonwealth Games dream has been put on hold, Chege's performances this season underline his rapid rise among Kenya's sprinting stars.

In April, he produced a breakthrough performance at the Addis Ababa Grand Prix, winning the men's 200m in a personal best of 20.63 seconds ahead of national rival Ekwam. At the same meet, he also clocked a lifetime best of 10.33 seconds in the 100m, highlighting his growing versatility.

The sprinter also impressed with a second-place finish at the Botswana Grand Prix in 20.87 seconds before earning selection to Kenya's mixed 4x100m relay team for the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana.