• The two-time national champion’s dominance in women’s sprint events began last year during the Kenyan Championships at Nyayo Stadium, where she clocked 11.75 to claim the 100m title.
• Highlighting Mbagari’s significance to the Prisons team, Chirchir said, "She is a linchpin in our Prisons squad and a master in the tracks."
Image: HANDOUT
Kenya Prisons coach Gideon Chirchir has called on the federation to rally behind 100m women’s sprint sensation Esther Mbagari in her bid for Olympic qualification.
"Esther is the cream of the crop in the women’s 100m nationally. She needs substantial support, not only from the Prisons department but the entire federation, as she gears up to qualify for the upcoming Olympics," Chirchir emphasized.
The women’s 100m Olympic qualification mark is set at 11.07. Mbagari boasts a personal best of 11.60, achieved during the 3rd AK track and field weekend meeting at Nyayo Stadium, where she clinched the top spot.
Last weekend, she defended her 100m title clocking 11.73 during the Prisons track and field at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. Nevian Michira (12.61) and Edna Nyaboke (12.62) completed the podium.
Adding to her triumph, the 23-year-old also defended her 200m title in 23.68 seconds with Maureen Wafula (25.51) and Michira (25.88) securing second and third places respectively.
Highlighting Mbagari’s significance to the Prisons team, Chirchir said, "She is a lynchpin in our Prisons squad and a master in the tracks."
The two-time national champion’s dominance in women’s sprint events began last year during the Kenyan Championships at Nyayo Stadium, where she clocked 11.75 to claim the 100m title.
She also added a 200m crown to her belt clocking 23.63 with Millicent Ndoro (23.91) and Damaris Mutunga (24.18) sealing the podium.
In January, Mbagari clocked 11.60 and 23.63 to clinch the 100m and 200m respectively during the 3rd AK track and field meeting.
She, however, fell short during the Kip Keino Classic last month placing seventh in 12.08. Mariam Bass Bittaye of Gambia clinched the title in 11.33 to set a season’s best.
At the trials for the African Games, she obliterated the field, clocking 11.63 to represent the country in Ghana.
She was, however, performed dismally in both the 100m and 200m at the African Games. In the 100m, she clocked 12.00 to place fifth in Heat 5 while in the 200m, she clocked 24.25 in the semifinal 3, placing sixth.
Chirchir, however, remains optimistic about Mbagari's future stating: “Her performance in Ghana wasn’t ideal, but it’s a learning curve for her. I believe she'll draw from that experience to achieve greatness in her upcoming races," he remarked.
He stressed the importance of mentoring and physical training for the young athlete to ensure she remains at the top of her game.
"As an emerging athlete, she requires ample guidance and training. We are committed to nurturing her mentally and physically to ensure she reaches her zenith," he added.
The seasoned coach also highlighted the growth of sprint athletes in Kenya noting, "Sprint athletes are coming up in the country and that is highly encouraging. In the next few years, Kenya will be a force to reckon with in the event."
He further highlighted the challenging journey to Olympic qualification, emphasising the coaches' dedication to training the athletes.
"Securing the Olympic mark is no walk in the park. This global spectacle is every athlete’s dream. Some athletes have already made the cut. As coaches, we are pulling out all the stops to ensure our athletes meet the mark," he affirmed