Kenyan sprinters optimistic ahead of continental showdown in Mauritius

Kenya is out to defend its continental title as the 22nd edition of the African Senior Athletics Championships starts today in Reduit, Mauritius.

The country has sent 55 athletes; 30 men and 25 women that will ensure the continental title returns to Kenya.

Kenya topped the championships table in the 2018 edition in Asaba, Nigeria with 19 medals; 11 gold, six silver and two bronze.

The athletes, mainly the sprinters, will be utilising the opportunities to attain qualifying standards for the World Athletics Championships and Commonwealth Games before the trials on June 24-25.

Collins Omae (pictured), who will be in action the men’s 400m qualifying rounds today said; “Apart from aiming for the medals, we, mainly sprinters will be aiming for qualification standards World Athletics Championships.”

National 110m hurdles champion Wiseman Were, who boasts a 13.80 personal best, is confident of lowering his time to meet the World Championships required time of 13.32 seconds.

“I’m in good shape and I believe the Africa Championships has come at the right time for me to get that qualification time, I don’t want to come back to Kenyan trials without the time, that’s my promise,” said Were.

Africa 100m record holder Ferdinand Omanyala will be taking his outstanding form to the championships as he lines up in three sprints; 100m, 200m and the 4x100.

He will be hoping for a good show at the African event as he prepares for the World Championships in Oregon next month.