WU20 Championship: Kirui eager to defend title in Colombia

Former national Cross Country champion Ismael Kirui Has his eyes set on retaining the men’s 5,000 m title during the forthcoming World Under 20 Athletics Championships slotted for August 1-6 in Cali, Colombia.

His victory during the inaugural Memorial Agnes Tirop World Cross Country Tour Gold in the boys U18 event, motivated him to target a podium finish in August.

Kirui took victory in 18 minutes and 15 seconds ahead of Vincent Maiyo (18:16) and Charles Rotich (18:21) who took silver and bronze respectively.

“I had booked my first Team Kenya ticket during the, Africa Cross Country Championships in Togo, 2020. I was disappointed that it was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic but never lost hope. I know the competition will be stiff during the trials for Cali but I am ready to face them and earn my place in the team," said Kirui.

Kirui, trains at Torongo Athletics camp with about 50 other athletes all aged below 19 years.

Down at the Kenyan coast, Didmus Mwalimu is eyeing a slot in the men’s 400m. Mwalimu hopes to utilize the weather in Mombasa County to perfect his training.

“The training is going on well but there are a lot of things I am yet to master; like using the blocks, take off and how to handle the race. Lack of proper training equipment might cost me but I will do my best,” said Mwalimu at the Mbaraki Stadium.

Mwalimu is among the 26 athletes comprising of 15 girls and 11 boys, benefiting from the youth program sponsored by Ministry of Sports Art and Culture through Athletics Kenya.

The 26 camps from various parts of the country officially closed on April 23rd.