Training is not enough for our Kenyan athletes team; they need to be mentored during training sessions to keep an open mind as they go head-on in championships.
In previous years, Kenya has always taken pride in athletics as representatives in the different categories clinched medals offered on the podium, however, athletes seem to be less inspired and demotivated as they take on the races.
Mentorship by the older athletes who participated in World Championships and won would be important and increase performance in track events.
Even though Team Kenya has so far had an exemplary performance at Oregon USA, with Hellen Obiri and Margaret Chelimo bagging silver and bronze, there are more events that Kenya has dominated in the previous years that need to be given attention such as the men’s 3000 steeplechases.
Names that were heard in events barely dominated by Kenya, like Samuel Gathimba, a racewalking athlete, need to be supported too so that they can rise and flag the Kenyan name up high in this new event in the country.
Kenya also needs to invest in field events for example shot put, javelin and long jump to avoid putting all our eggs in one basket thus increasing our chances of bagging as many awards as possible.
Presently, Kenyans are in rage after the events leading to the 100m men’s race where Ferdinand Omanyala participated.
The Ministry of Sports needs to be organised before ensuring the athletes are mentally prepared without any distractions.
Lastly, athletes’ mental health is equally important as their training.
Being unprepared mentally can lead to poor performance regardless of how well trained and physically prepared an athlete is.
We send these athletes as representatives of our nation and we put a lot of faith in them hoping they will bring home medals in all events they participate in.
This might in turn put a lot of pressure on them and if they fail to deliver, they go hard on themselves and might fall into depression.
So let’s go easy on them on the internet and prioritise their peace of mind and mental health.
We root for Team Kenya, congratulations to those who have outdone themselves already and all the very best to those yet to participate in their events.
Moi University
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
“WATCH: The latest videos from the Star”
