Team Kenya heads to Africa U18 and U20 championships with Omanyala’s blessings

Team Kenya, to the Africa Under 18 and Under 20 Combined Athletics Championships, is heading to the third edition of the CAA African competition scheduled for Wednesday, 16 to Sunday, 20 July, ready to impress.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

A total of 47 athletes, 18 athletes for the Under 18 and 29 for the Under 20, were kitted on Sunday, 14 July, in a flagging-off ceremony attended by Africa’s fastest man in 100m, Ferdinand Omanyala, who called on the team to be fearless.

The team is captained by Clinton Aluvi, who will represent Kenya in the 100m and 200m events, and 2023 Africa Under 18 1500m silver medalist Joyline Jepkemoi, who believe the team has what it takes to rule the continent.

Audacious target for Agnes Jebet as World Championships near

Head coach Robert Ngisirei noted that the team has fine-tuned its techniques and expressed confidence that they will return as champions.

His sentiments were echoed by Commonwealth Games 100m champion Omanyala, a former national team captain at the 2016 World U20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

“Always be in beast mode when you are on the track,” Omanyala told the team. “Pick a point ahead of you, whether it is a cameraman or something at the finish line, and chase it like your life depends on it. Remember, you come from a superpower in athletics. Never fear anyone.”

Omanyala, known for his explosive starts and fearless sprints, encouraged the young athletes to stay grounded and purposeful beyond the track.

“Get focused, stay in school, and above all, remember God,” he added.

Kenya is looking to better their 2023 results in Ndola, Zambia, where they finished third in both categories, with the U18 bagging 19 medals (6 gold, 7 silver, and 6 bronze) and the under-20 collecting 14 medals (6 gold, 2 silver, and 6 bronze).

Kenya U20 wonderkid set for LaLiga move

U20 Team Kenya Women

5,000m

Joyline Chepkemoi

Sharon Chepkemoi

3,000m

Mirriam Chemutai

Sheila Chepng’eno

1500m

Judy Chepkoech

Vivian Cherotich

800m

Nancy Chepng’etich

Dorcah Minsari

400m

Faith Kemunto

Javelin

Faith Cherotich

3,000msc

Anastancia Cheptoo

Mercy Chepngeno

First trophy for Harambee Stars striker in Cambodia

U20 Team Kenya Men

5,000m

Dennis Kipkoech

Frankline Kibet

10,000m

Edwin Elkana

Ronald Kipkoech

3,000msc

Brian Kiptarus

Nicholas Kitum

1,500m

Collins Kibiwot

Owan Logorodi

800m

Kelvin Kipkogei

Ntayia Karembu

400m

Simon Obori

200m

Clinton Aluvi

Brian Akoth

100m

Clinton Aluvi

Long Jump

Kelvin Kiprono

Triple Jump

Kelvin Kiprono

Monaco show puts Serem’s name in Tokyo Championship conversation

U18Team Kenya Men

3000m

Kelvin Kiprop

Emmanuel Rono

2,000msc

Brian Kiptoo

Emmanuel Lemiso

1,500m

Ezekiel Kipkorir

Lawi Kiplang’at

800m

Lawi Kiplang’at

Manases Kiprotich

400m

Evans Kiprono

Long Jump

Kelvin Kiprono

Triple Jump

Kelvin Kiprono

Erick 'Marcelo' Ouma wades into Harambee Stars' squad selection

U18 Team Kenya Women

5,000m walk

Mercyline Wanjala

3,000 m

Cynthia Chepkurui

Lonah Cherono

2,000 msc

Mercy Chepng’eno

Claire Chepngetich

1,500 m

Caren Chepchirchir

Millicent Jepkong’a

800m

Vicody Chemutai

Caren Chemutai

Triple Jump

Victorious Cheruto