Race Walk: Nanjala, Ndingiti hoping to perform well in Race Walk

Lenah Nanjala and Dominic Ndingiti are hoping to shine in the girls’ and boys’ walking race finals to be held today at the IAAF World U-18 Championships at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

Elated Nanjala says she has been inspired to go for gold by Africa women’s champion and Olympian Margaret Wanjiru who she met two months ago at the first national trials held at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.

“Wanjiru is my role model. She inspired me into this discipline. She gave me tips that helped me earn a qualification in this category.

“I definitely want to be like her so the first thing I believe I must to do is to win this medal at home,” Nanjala said.

The Standard Eight candidate at Matili Roman Catholic Primary School in Mt Elgon says she is buoyed ahead of the finals by the gold she won in this year’s national schools games.

“I want a repeat of that feat in these games, I am working hard for that,” said Nanjala who is also a member of Kaptama Athletics Camp in Mt Elgon.

On her way to joining Team Kenya, Nanjala clocked 26:08 during the first trials in Eldoret and recorded 25:00 in the final trial held at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. [Erick Ochieng’]

 

Local sports journalists: Free accommodation

Local sports journalists covering the IAAF World Under -18 Championship in Nairobi are getting free accommodation.

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) has provided them with full-board facilities at Kenya School of Monetary Studies (KSMS) and transport to and from Kasarani.

Interestingly, even Nairobi-based journalists are residing at KSMS for the duration of the championships. [Dennis Okeyo]

Market: Maasai Market at the village

Foreign teams and their officials can shop at Maasai Market set up at the Moi International Sports Centre athletes' village. Some of the items being sold include local sandals, hand-made ornaments, jewelry such as bracelets, bead necklaces. Wood carvings of animals, soap stones and handbags are also on sale. [Dennis Okeyo]