Gilbert Osure hopes to secure ticket to World Athletics Relays Championships

After putting up a good show at the opening leg of the Athletics Kenya (AK) relay series at Nyayo National Stadium last weekend, Gilbert Osure has set his eyes on the World Athletics Relays Championships slated for May 1-2 in Silesia, Poland.

The AK three-leg meetings will culminate in national trials in March when a team that will represent Kenya at the global championship will be selected.

Osure topped the men’s 300m in a time of 34:03 seconds to declare his intention of representing the country at the Poland relay meet in May. 

“It was a difficult 2020, not only for me but all the sprinters. We didn’t have any meetings, but we are glad we have started the season with a competition.

“In 2019 I missed the Yokohama World Relays with an injury, but if all goes well, I’m certain I will be making the cut to Poland later in the year,” said Osure, a Kenya Defence Force athlete based in Laikipia. 

Stephen Mwaniki, Kenya’s sprint coach is optimistic the sprinters will perform well in Poland despite lack of running opportunities last year due to coronavirus challenges. 

“I think the decision by the federations to start relay series early ahead of World Relays is well thought of. Many of the sprinters haven’t raced for almost a year; this will give them an opportunity to build up well and get good results in Poland,” Mwaniki said.

Apart from Osure, 100m national record holder Mark Otieno was also outstanding during the relay meet at Nyayo on Saturday.

Otieno won the combined 150m finals in 15:05 seconds ahead of Osure, who returned 16.0 while Mathew Elijah was third in 16.4. 

In the women’s 150m event, Doreen Waka won the race in 18.4 with Monica Safania coming in second in 18.7 while Joy Akinyi closed the podium in 18.9 seconds.

World Under-18 400m silver medalist Mary Moraa dominated the women’s 500m event winning in 71.0 seconds ahead of Silvia Chesebe (72.9) while Janet Cherotich was third in 75.0. [Dennis Okeyo]