It has become habitual for the Kenyan National Anthem to be played during international athletics championships, but it becomes unusual when it is from a field event.
Hardly does a Kenyan athlete make the final or a podium finish at these events, not unless you are thinking of the javelin world champion, Julius Yego.
But Vincent Kipkoech Kilel hopes to rewrite history and reap a rare medal when he parades in tonight’s triple jump final at the ongoing IAAF World U-18 Championships.
Kilel (pictured) was the only Kenyan athlete who made the cut after the qualifiers on Tuesday evening. Kilel cleared 14.68m in his first attempt that earned him a place in the final.
His second attempt did not go as planned after he earned a 14.66m jump. He failed in his third attempt.
“I am proud to have qualified for the final. Kenyans are not known to do well in this event, but I want to change all that.
“I had a plan, which was to qualify for the final. From there on, I will start to focus on winning the medal. I just pray for a good ending,” he said.
Kilel said he was grateful for his coach, Carolyn Kola.
“When I reported to the camp, I was very raw, but through the advice and coaching style of Carolyn Kola, I sharpened my skills,” Kilel said.
Ahead of the final, Kilel said he will work on his strides and speed. To him, these two aspects will be vital in his quest for the medal.
Kilel will battle other athletes from 12 countries including Cuba, China, and Columbia.
Kenya’s other representative in the category, Musyoka Mwema, was unlucky after he missed the cut. Musyoka cleared 14.63m, but could not make the final cut, missing the mark by just 0.05m.
National schools silver medallist Gloria Mulei will begin her medal hunt in triple jump today.
Mulei said she has done her final touches and is hoping to make the cut in the qualifiers.
She believes her long training at the venue since December gives her an edge over her opponents as she is quite familiar with the course. "Stepping up training here was not easy but it helped me to improve," she said.
