Sawe eyeing new PB, slots to Africa and Commonwealth Games

Two-time African high jump champion and national record holder Mathew Sawe begins his season on 20 April as he takes part in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) track and field event. 

Sawe, the first Kenyan to qualify for the Olympics in high jump is targeting a new personal best (PB) this season even as he looks to defend his African title at the senior championships set for June. 

The KDF man has kept a low profile since competing at the Tokyo Olympics where he was making his debut at the Summer Games, but has continued to train eyeing an improved jump this season. 

"I have been in training, preparing for the KDF championship and the national trials among other upcoming events. I chose to skip the Athletics Kenya (AK) meetings as I did not think I was ready to compete yet. 

I am in good shape and ready for action next week. A week later I will be in action at the national championship that will also serve as the trials for the senior African Championship set for 8 to 12 June," Sawe outlined. 

While making his debut at the Olympics, the high jumper struggled from the onset and eventually failed to clear the 2.21m mark to miss out on the final 12. 

His first attempt at 2.17 did not go his way and was forced to make a second attempt for the lowest mark, setting a precedence for the preceeding heights. 

At the next mark set at 2.21, the athlete faltered on all three attempts to miss out on the final set for Sunday 1 August 2021. He has not been in action competitively since. 

"I feel confident and ready for action. I am looking to do better than my PB which is 2.30m," he offered. 

With the World Athletics Championships set for 15 to 24 July in Oregon and the Commonwealth Games coming barely a week later on 28 July to 8 August, the high jumper has elected to target the latter whose trials are set for 20 and 21 May. 

Asked about his plans beyond the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the lanky athlete chose to keep his cards close, arguing that his focus at the time is on the season ahead.