Commonwealth Games: Triathletes relish Games date

The national triathlon team is relishing their first international duty when they compete for Kenya at the 20th Commonwealth Games.

The team, which has pitched camp at Safaricom Stadium Kasarani, has two male and two female athletes including Jesse Deboea, Swaleh Balala, Vincent Ochieng’ and Hellen Kinuthia.

They will feature in three events, swimming, (1.5km), Cycling (40km) and running (10km).

“It is a dream come true for me to represent the country at such an international event,” said De Boer, a former hockey player at former Kenya Hockey Union side Sliders and sister to Enduro champion Alan de Boer. “I have been seeking this chance for the last 10 years, taking part in various sports and I am grateful my time has come.”

“I know it is premature to talk about medals, but I want to go there, learn from the best and perform to the best of my capacity,” added the 28-year-old.

Meanwhile, the Paralympics squad have vowed to reverse the lukewarm show at the 2010 New Delhi Games. The team in which 13 athletes attained the required classification will depart on July 13 and return on August 4.

Caroline Wanjira, a finalist at the Great Lakes Games, will line up in T54 1,500m wheelchair category; with her sights on the podium.

“The training here is ok. We hope this favourable conditions will prevail until we conclude the residential camp. We are learning new skills on how to push the chair. The experience we picked in India has helped a lot,” said Wanjira, a finalist also at the All Africa Games.