Duo to throw away any excess baggage: Chepng’etich and Nao promise to deliver gold in javelin and shot-put

kenya secondary schools term two A games (athletics) Dorothy Chepng'etich Singoronik School attempts her shot put in the thrid round on the third day of the Kenya Secondary Schools Term Two A games at the Mbaraki Sports Club, June 08, 2017. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Athlete focuses on emulating her role model Julius Yego.

Dorothy Chepng’etich, a Form Two student at Singoronik Secondary in Kericho County, has promised to win gold in the IAAF World Under-18 Championships, which begin tomorrow at Kasarani Stadium.

“I took up javelin after coach Andrew Maritim introduced me to the sport in 2015. I realised it was an area many girls and women were not keen to venture.

“I vowed to take an interest in the sport and trained hard towards achieving my goal. I am glad that I qualified for the games,” Chepnge’tich said.

She won this year’s national schools championships and is now focusing on taking part in the East Africa Secondary Schools Games in Uganda.

“I want to thank my personal coach, Japheth Kemei, who has walked with me all the way. Without him, I wouldn’t have been a national champion in the school games. I now want to have better results in these world championships,” she said.

Chepnge’tich singled out world javelin champion Julius Yego, saying he was her role model. Chepnge’tich made a 49m throw during the trials at Nyayo Stadium, which earned her a coveted place in the national team.

Just like Chepngetich, Ita Nao also believes he is a medal prospect at the championships.

The 18-year-old Standard Eight pupil at Olive Primary School in Narok County said he has worked hard and is ready to accomplish his mission: to win gold in javelin.

Nao earned a place in the national team after making a 62m throw in the first national trials in Eldoret, before going one step better to throw 63m in the second trials at Nyayo Stadium last month.

“I am sure of delivering a medal for the country, most probably gold,” said the lanky youth.

Nao said he was inspired to take up javelin by world champion Julius Yego. Even though he has no coach, just like his mentor during his early days, he has remained focused in his assignments.

Nao won his title in 2015 and has said he is not ready to relent. Nao is grateful for the advice he is getting from athletes at the camp and Yego.

“What I have gained will be the key in my performance,” Nao said.