Team Kenya for the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games in Apia, Samoa, jetted back on Monday evening.
The team of seven athletes bagged four gold and three silver medals at the games. The team was given a cordial welcome by the National Olympics Committee of Kenya (Nock) officials at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and later hosted to dinner at a Nairobi hotel.
Team captain Kumari Taki, who not only won gold at the event, but also set a new record in men's 1500m, said he was going to work hard to keep his top form as he eyes a slot in the 2016 Rio Olympics Games.
"I am grateful that this year has been such a success for me. Wining the Africa and Commonwealth titles is not such easy tasks. What's next for me is to work hard and get a slot in the Olympics squad. I am not going to relax when I get back home," said Taki.
Just like Taki, 3000m champions Sheila Chelangat (women) and Davis Kiplagat (men) have their eyes focused on Rio Olympics, which they believe they have the ability to claim top honours.
"We have had enough experience both at the Africa Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia and in Samoa, which I believe if combined together, gives us a good foundation ahead of next year's Rio games. I will do all I can to maintain my fitness and get a slot in the team to Olympics. That is my next focus," said Kiplagat.
Others who expressed same sentiments included 800m champion Willy Tarbei, silver medalists Lawi Kosgei(1500m), Vincent Kipyegon (800m), Richard Yator(3000m) and Joyline Cherotich, who did not finish within the medal bracket in women's 1500m and 800m categories in Apia.
Oxygen8 East Africa CEO, Brian Waluchio, thanked the team for their sterling performance and also for flying the national flag high, saying, "Oygen8 East Africa will continue with the same spirit of supporting the Kenyan youth with the resources we have until they reach their full potential."
He encouraged them to keep up with the good performance and reiterated his company's commitment to enter into a long-term arrangement to support Kenyan sports through Nock.
The team got a Sh5.2 million sponsorship from the company to cater for their travel expenses before they travelled to Samoa.
Team Kenya Chief de Mission James Chacha, thanked the company for their timely support that ensured that Kenya was represented at the Commonwealth Youth Games.
