By ERICK OCHIENG’
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| Sprinters Tony Chirchir, Stephen Baraza and Walter Moenga pose for a photo at AK headquarters, yesterday. [PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO / STANDARD] |
Team Kenya jetted back on Tuesday night to a warm reception following their outstanding performance in the championships.
The team was yesterday hosted to a midmorning breakfast by Athletics Kenya (AK) and mobile phone service provider Safaricom.
Assistant team captain Janeth Jepkosgei praised the troops, saying they showed resilience and great potential in Bahamas where the country finished third with 35 points behind Jamaica and US.
“Our performance was remarkable. It was a great achievement for the country. Kenya has huge potential in sprints that needs to be invested in,” said Jepkosgei, who led the women’s 4x800m team into clinching silver and a national record in 8:04.28 behind winners US (8:01.58) and ahead of Russia who came third in 8:08.19.
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While hailing the country’s performance, team captain Mark Mutai, who led the country into an impressive finish in the 4x400m category, expressed confidence saying: “Kenya has the ability to perform even better in future championships going by the Bahamas performance.”
In the men’s 4x1500m final, the team led by Olympic and two-time world champion Asbel Kiprop, powered Kenya to victory in 14:22.22, an over 14-second improvement to the previous world record.
Hellen Obiri, Faith Kipyegon, Mercy Cherono and Irene Chelagat set a new world record of 16:33.58 in Women’s 4x1500m relay.
The men’s 4 x 800m team also won gold in a time of 7:08.40. Their female counterparts, spearheaded by World champion Eunice Sum, finished second to the US.
Head coach Sammy Rono noted his team performed beyond expectations and thanked his contingent for the commitment and discipline they displayed.
“I am confident soon we will be world beaters in the 4x200m and the 4x400m,” he said. “We urge the Government through the Ministry of Sports to inject more funds to support short and middle distance races. We need more training camps in sprints,” said the coach.
Safaricom Head of Sponsorships and Events, Zaheeda Suleman-Arain congratulated the team saying: “We are proud of Team Kenya for not only winning medals but also breaking world records, I believe with the right support, our athletes can give great results.”
Following the wins, Safaricom will award a total of Sh5.6 million for the category won and the records broken.
