Team Kenya back, shifts focus to IAAF Continental Cup

Commonwealth Games and Africa Athletics Championship gold medalist Julius Yego displays his gold medals upon arrival from Marrakech, Morocco, Saturday. [PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Kenya’s contingent to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and Africa Athletics Championship in Marrakech, Morocco, arrived home on Saturday evening to a warm welcome.

The team, which was received by family members, fans and government officials at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, included Commonwealth Games 1,500m gold medalist Faith Chepngetich, javelin gold medalist Julius Yego, Commonwealth Games men’s 3,000m steeplechase gold medalist Caleb Ndiku, 3,000m bronze medalist Ezekiel Kemboi, Francesca Koki and Asbel Kiprop among others.

Kenya finished third in the continental championship in Marrakech with a total of 25 medals.

Sport Commissioner Gordon Oluoch, who led other government officials in receiving the team, said the Government is happy with the team’s overall performance both in Glasgow, Scotland, and Marrakech, Morocco. 

“We as government are satisfied with the team’s performance,” said Oluoch on Saturday.

After a good performance in Glasgow and Marrakech, the focus now shifts to the IAAF Continental Cup from September 13-14, 2014 in Marrakech, Morocco. This will be the second edition of the IAAF Continental Cup.

“The year 2014 has been a good year for me and I hope to end it with a medal at the Continental Cup. But I cherish the Commonwealth Games gold more, because I had never won any medal outside Africa before,” Yego said while displaying out his medals.

“If I will be in good health, I will be returning to Marrakech to I try to achieve more than my 84.72m which is my season best,” added Yego who also won gold in Morocco.

Also looking forward for more glory at the continental cup is Ndiku who surprised Kemboi and the race favourite Jairus Birech.

“I know I’m a champion, whenever I am in a good shape, no one can beat me. I did my training very well at Kasarani Stadium before leaving for Glasgow,” said Ndiku, who comes from Machakos County.

The sprinters were happy with exposure they got this year, having hit the track with best sprinters in the world.

“I have really improved this year technically, I only need to polish my starting blocks a bit,” said Walter Moenga, who also represented the country in the IAAF World Relays in Bahamas early this year. [email protected]