For years on end, Kenya has been calling the shots in track events during past competitions.
To the talented athletes, winning medals in their respective races has been the order of the day. Everybody’s cup of tea.
In truth, athletes have continued to struggle in field events, where winning any medal continues to be a tall order. But that was until World javelin champion Julius Yego came calling.
After announcing his presence in a memorable fashion, it has been smooth sailing for the towering figure. And now there is a new kid on the block, eager to go the Yego way, if not better.
Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national champion Victor Kiplimo has faith of emulating his role model when the World U-18 Athletics Championships begin today at Kasarani Stadium.
Being Kenya’s sole competitor in boys’ 5kg hammer, Kiplimo knows what is expected of him and he has vowed to leave Kenyans with broad smiles.
Kiplimo made the cut after registering a 47m throw during the national trials at Nyayo Stadium.
Today, he will step on the pitch at 5:30pm in search of glory and perhaps leave a better mark than he did at the trials and at the national schools games. He won gold in both events.
“I expect the contest to be tough owing to the list of contestants lined up for this event. But I am not scared because we are the hosts, which means we must give a good account of ourselves. I will strive to ensure I qualify for the next round,” said Kiplimo.
Kiplimo added that the three-week residential camp at Nyayo Stadium helped him get in shape ahead of the championships.
“The camp was really beneficial to me. I learned new skills at the camp. I used to train using makeshift gears, but I got the opportunity to train under qualified coaches,” he said.
The Form Two student at Kapsato Secondary School in Nandi spent yesterday morning polishing on his throws.
“I know the skills I mastered that included turns and spits will come in handy.”
“My turns were poor, but coach Nicholas Mureithi has been helpful. I can now comfortably control my speed while releasing the throw.”
Kiplimo said he made his first throw in 2015 when he came across a group of young men practising the sport in his village in Nandi. After a few wayward throws, he grasped the moves. [Erick Ochieng]
