Kamworor says he was in top shape, rues virus disruption

Athletics - New York City Marathon - New York City, New York, U.S. - November 4, 2018, Kenya's Geoffrey Kamworor in action ahead of Ethiopia's Lelisa Desisa and Shura Kitata during the Professional Men's race. [REUTERS/Darren Ornitz]

World Half Marathon record holder Geoffrey Kamworor has regretted that the coronavirus pandemic struck at a time when he was in top shape.

He, however, exuded confidence that he will pick from where he left once the virus dust settles.

“I was in top shape when Covid-19 struck. Staying at home is a major challenge and requires a lot of discipline. I am training alone back at home just to keep fit and I expect to come back stronger when competition resumes…Expect great results guys.”

Kamworor was speaking during the third webinar meeting hosted by the National Olympic Committee- Kenya (NOC-K) on Thursday.

The webinar, themed, “The Home Athlete Nutrition Plan” was aimed at giving sportspeople tips on proper nutrition as the sports world continues to grapple with prolonged inactivity, stemming from the novel coronavirus that has affected normalcy all over the world.

Kamworor was joined by boxer Elizabeth Andiego as well nutritionists Erick Kihugwa and Mercy Barwecho.

Kamworor thanked the NOC-K for facilitating the webinar, saying, “I have learnt a lot in terms of nutrition and I will no doubt make adjustments to my diet. This info is relevant to sports people and will go a long way in making them better. I also hope to return stronger at the end of all this,” he said.

BALANCED DIET

Even though sport has ground to a halt globally, Kamworor observed that he hasn’t made any major changes to his routine. 

“I haven’t made changes to my diet. I have maintained the same diet I follow when preparing for competition,” he assured. 

He also shared part of his diet regime pre and post event, saying: “I ensure that my diet is balanced before and after any competition I am engaged in.” 

Andiego, who became the first woman to represent Kenya in boxing at the 2012 London Olympics on the other hand, said the pandemic had thrown her diet program into disarray.

“I have not been too strict with my diet because we don’t have any competitions on the horizon,” she said.

Andiege further spoke about the challenges of getting specific foods at a time when Covid-19 pandemic has played a massive slowdown in economic activities worldwide,” she said.

Barwecho, meanwhile, emphasised the importance of nutrition for the athletes, saying:”At the most basic level, nutrition is important for athletes because it provides a source of energy required to perform. The food we eat impacts on our strength, training, performance and recovery.”

She gave dietary tips to enable athletes stay in competitive shape during this period of inactivity.[NOC-K media]