Kirwa warns pace makers in national meetings

Weird News

By JOSEPH NGURE

Athletes who are fond of playing rabbits for their friends during national meetings risk a ban from Athletics Kenya.

National Athletics Head Coach Julius Kirwa warned the pace makers, whom he blamed for tiring innocent competitors, especially in the on-going cross-country series.

Speaking to Feverpitch in Eldoret after receiving numerous complains from athletics coaches, the head coach attributed the now common drama of false start to the unmarked pace makers.

"The national meetings are meant for build up and most of those eyeing slots in the national cross-country team are being judged by their consistency’" he said.

"We are not going to allow them to be burnt out," warned the head coach, who has resumed his coaching duties after a one-year military duty in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He noted that during the series that also include track competitions, most of those who turn up to gauge their form end up dropping out of their races after failing to cope up with high paces during their build up.

"We know and do appreciate the role played by pace makers in grand prix races in Europe, but we cannot do it in local races because the competitions are for training purpose. Let us use these meetings for the intended purpose," added Kirwa.

A senior coach in the North Rift blamed the trend by his fellow coaches for using the rabbits to burn up opponents, who are a potential threat to those from their stable.

"We are privy to a situation during the national trials where ‘strangers’ were sneaked into the finals to pace for their friends. This is open corruption," said the senior tactician, who declining to be named, adding that if a rabbit has to be used, it must be brought to the attention of all participants.

Pace makers are used in some international competitions where Stadium or World records are being sought.

David Kiptoo, Joseph Tengelei and Sammy Tangui have been instrumental in pacing for Wilson Kipketer, the Kenyan-turned Dane, and David Rudisha when the duo was seeking World records in 800m.

Athletics
Kenyan stars ready for World Cross showdown in Belgrade
By Ben Ahenda 6 hrs ago
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Tanak urges Kenyan children to take up motorsports as a career
Rugby
SCHOOLS: From the classroom to the field, Kisumu Girls ready to lift national rugby trophy
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Neuville clinches Kasarani stage as Hyundai makes intention known