By Omulo Okoth
The Government and Olympic chiefs have set aside Sh52 million to fund the qualification rounds of the Kenyan teams for the Olympic Games to be held in London in July-August.
But so far, only athletes â among them Abel Kirui â and swimmers have attained qualification standards for the Games that will be in the British city from July 27 and August 12.
There is hope for rowing whose team tied with the Zimbabweans in a photo-finish during the qualification rounds in Egypt in January.
National Olympic Committee Executive Officer Stephen arap Soi and Kenya Rowing Association secretary Seif Patwa confirmed that Kenya still has a chance, which will have to wait until June when all global qualifications will be complete.
The other chance is in tae kwondo, where Gladys Mwaniki, who won a bronze during the qualification rounds in Cairo (January 10-11) will also have to wait until June for the final word.
Chasing qualification
The Dunford swimming brothers, Jason and David, have both qualified. Sylvia Brunheller and Tenissa Lanoe are also chasing qualification.
Many athletes have made the qualification times, but the final trials will be in Nairobi on June 21-23 to pick the final team. The judo team are in Agadir, Morocco for the 33rd Senior African Championships/Final Olympic qualifier which started on April 1 and runs to April 8). Isaac Kinyanjui (u73), Sammy Sang (u81) and Alice Chebet (u78) were accompanied by coach Joseph Mwangi and arap Soi.
Dismal show
Weight lifting qualification rounds were held in Nairobi at the weekend with Kenyans now banking on the wild card to take part in London Olympics after a dismal show in the event dominated by Algerian and Libyan weightlifters.
Boxers will travel to Casablanca, Morocco, for the qualification set for between April 28 and May 5. They have been camping in Mombasa. Their female counterparts will start camp after the men have travelled. Their qualification will be in Quintao, China, between May 7-20.
