MUKONO ON MISSION POSSIBLE: After graduating to senior ranks, Moses aims to conquer in world cross-country

From left: Bedan Karoki, Moses Mukono, Geoffrey Kamworor and Leonard Barsoton battle it out in 12km senior race during the IAAF Permit/KCB National Cross Country Championship at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi on 14-02-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

Moses Mukono is under pressure to perform at the forthcoming 41st IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Guiyang, China on Sunday next week.

Mukono, who completed Form Four last year at Nairobi’s Riruta Central Secondary School, said he hopes to successfully graduate to senior ranks –unlike the tradition with most Kenyan athletes.

“I graduated last year to seniors, while I was still a student and could do well in the season. I could juggle classwork and training and eventually made it.

I feel I can do better in Guiyang despite this high pressure,” Mukono said yesterday after his training session at the national team’s residential camp at St Mark’s Teacher’s Training College in Kigari, Embu.

“I want to bring a medal – gold, silver or bronze – from China. I really need that medal.

I have had enough time to prepare for this championship and thereafter, plan for my future -whether to join a college or get a job,” he said.

He will team up with world silver medalist Leonard Barsoton, road-racer Bedan Karoki, Joseph Kiptum and world half marathon champion, Geoffrey Kamworor.

The runner from Kilgoris said he longs to make the team to the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Beijing in August and Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil, next year.

READY TO SHINE

“The IAAF did the right thing when they made world cross country a biannual event. It will help us have a variety of cross country medals.

“I failed to impress in Poland in 2013 and that is why I really need the world cross country medal this time round.

I badly need it,” said Mukono, who has had brilliant performances in local competitions with little to show of it at the global stage.

And despite having a fair share of fortune and fame in sports, Mukono is not your typical Kenyan athlete –he has excellent communication skills, which he happily flaunts during media interviews. When he won the eight-kilometre race at the IAAF Permit Meet at Uhuru Gardens last month, a delighted Mukono said he is ready to take on world beaters and shine at the international level.

An eloquent athlete he has become, Mukono borrowed the famous quote of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill that, “...Never give up...” to dispel claims that he performs dismally in global contests. “I finished 11th at the 2013 Word cross-country championships in Poland due to the then winter conditions. I will give it my best shot though. I do not give up and people should not rule me out,” Mukono.

Head coach David Leting said Mukono and Barsoton are a breed of fresh graduates in senior level, who are expected to keep the cross country flame burning in subsequent races.

“We are encouraging them not to fear seasoned athletes at the world cross country, but just do their best.

We have a strong team that is similar to the triumphant 2010 and 2013 teams and Kenyans should not worry any bit,” said Leting, who has guided national cross country team in 10 outings.

At the same time, World cross-country champion Japhet Kipyegon Korir and Alice Aprot, have been dropped from world cross-country team. Newcomer Margaret Jelimo has been included in the women’s 8km team to replace Aprot, who picked up an injury.

“We dropped Korir because he was not in his usual top form, while Aprot requested to be dropped due to her injury,” said Leting.

“We still have other able athletes in the camp and we are sure to post impressive results.”

The team is set to leave next Thursday morning, but Athletics Kenya Vice President, David Okeyo will seek to have the squad leave two days earlier.