Kenyan weightlifters off medal radar

 By Erick Ochieng’

Kenya’s hope of getting a medal at the Africa Weightlifting Championship in Nairobi was dimmed after veteran lifter Mercy Obiero, who was the country’s only hope, failed to reach the medal bracket in the women’s 63kg category.

Obiero recorded 65kg instance and 61kg in clean and jerk to post an overall lift of 156kg.

"I messed in my last attempt, the lift was okay but I failed to jerk properly. I feel so disappointed," said Obiero who finished sixth in the category that was contested by seven countries. She is hopeful to land a wildcard owing to her contribution and long service in the discipline for the country.

Kenya’s team captain Duke Machaka finished fifth in the men’s 85kg category that was contested by 11 countries.

With a body weight of 83.20kg, Machaka posted 120kg in snatch and 160kg in clean and jerk to settle for a total result of 280kg.

Those who contested on day two for Kenya are Nelson Munjua and James Ochieng’ in men’s 69kg category, while Authur Oyim competed in the 77kg category.

Munjua, whose body weight is 68.05kg lifted a high of 90kg in snatch and 120kg in clean and jerk, but he did not get classification in the overall tallying list after failing other attempts in snatch.

Ochieng’, with body weight of 68.70kg scored 96kg in snatch and 122kg in clean and jerk to finish in 12th position in the category with an overall 218kg.

Oyim (body weight 75.35kg) also did not get classification after he failed to go beyond his first 138kg lift attempt he posted in the snatch.

Despite the poor run by individual contestants, Kenya was hopeful to make it to the continental top five in team event as the continental event ended yesterday. The event was being used as London 2012 Olympics qualifiers.