Etyang seeks to make amends in World Under 20 Championships

Athlete Kamar Etyang competes in 1500m race during Olympic Games national trials at Kasarani Stadium on June 19. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kamar Etyang, who was dropped from Tokyo Olympic squad since he had not met mandatory anti-doping tests, has been included in the World Under 20 Athletics Championships that starts at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday.

The Iten-based athlete now harbour lofty dreams -to win a medal at the biennial showpiece and prove his mettle.

 “This is a great opportunity to compete for Kenya and prove to the nation my athletics potential. I am happy for the chance. And the least I can promise is a medal,” he said. 

Etyang, who hails from Turkana, reported to residential training at Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday under head coach Robert Ngisirei.

“I have great hopes in the boy. He is a determined athlete. His level of discipline and commitment makes him to stand out from the rest,” Ngisirei said.

He said the 19-year-old athlete has been included in the team to replace Emmanuel Lemama who picked an injury during training. Lemama has since left camp.

“Lemama requested to be replaced after the injury. “We assessed his situation and saw it fit to replace him with Etyang,”said Athletics Kenya Youth Development chairman Barnabar Korir.

Vincent Keter stands out as another gold prosepect. “Keter is talented. I have raced with him severally and I know he can deliver. I have confidence that our team work will deliver gold medal,” said Etyang.

Etyang missed the Tokyo 2020 Olympics despite finishing second in men’s 1500m at the national trials in Kasarani in June.

He had not met mandatory anti-doping three tests within 10 months ahead of Olympic Games as required by Athletics Integrity Unit and World Anti-Doping Agency.

He was replaced by World champion Timothy Cheruiyot who won silver at the Olympics.

“That’s now water under the bridge. I hold no grudges against anyone. I have moved on and my focus is on the upcoming championship at Kasarani Stadium,” said Etyang.

After the World Athletics Under 20 Championships, Etiang plans to compete in a meet in Poland where his targets the world under 20 1000m record.

It was double blow for Etyang who also missed to take part at the Africa cross country championships in Lome, Togo, which was postponed due to the Covid-19.

Etyang finished second in men’s 1500m at a weekend meeting in Kampala, Uganda, where he posted 3:36.80.