Former national 100m record holder Mark Otieno believes Kenya’s men’s 4x100m relay team has what it takes to shake up the sprinting world and return from the Tokyo World Championships with a medal.
Kenya made history in May by qualifying the men’s sprint relay for the first time at a global championship after an impressive showing at the World Relays in Guangzhou, China. The quartet of Boniface Mweresa, Ferdinand Omanyala, Meshack Babu and Steve Odhiambo clocked 38.51 in the second qualification round to book Kenya’s maiden ticket to the global stage.
Africa’s fastest man, Omanyala, headlines the squad in Tokyo, joined by Otieno, Odhiambo, Babu and rising stars Dennis Mwai, Clinton Aluvi and Isaac Omurwa. Otieno, 32, is adamant that Kenya’s moment has come to announce its entry into the global sprint conversation. "I believe this is our time, the people who have been selected are the best of the best to bring the medals back home," Otieno said.
Otieno insists that Kenya is not travelling to Tokyo as mere participants, but as genuine contenders. "We are not just going to participate, and we believe anything is possible."
"You never know what could happen. I pray this can be the turning point for sprints in Kenya," he added. The task, however, is monumental. The United States remain the most decorated nation in the 4x100m relay with nine world titles, including the most recent edition in Budapest 2023.
Meanwhile, Jamaica hold the world record of 37.04 set in 2011. Yet Kenya’s Tokyo squad boasts plenty of pedigree. Otieno is a four-time national 100m champion and two-time 200m winner.
He has further represented Kenya at the 2017 World Championships and once held the national 100m record at 10.14 before Omanyala lowered it repeatedly. Omanyala, meanwhile, is the 2022 Commonwealth Games champion and holds the African record at 9.77, set in 2022. He has graced three World Championships and two Olympic Games.
Babu is a two-time national 100m champion, and he recently added the 2024 Africa Military Games 100m crown to his name. Odhiambo enters Tokyo as the 2025 national champion, while youngsters Mwai and Omurwa are some of the nation's most promising. Aluvi recently made history as the first Kenyan to win 100m gold at the African U18/U20 Championships, which were held in Nigeria last month.
Despite the confidence, Otieno admits the pressure to deliver is heavy. "Since we qualified the 4x100m relay team in China, we have been under some pressure because we know we have to deliver."
The team has zeroed in on baton exchanges, aware that smooth transitions often make the difference in sprint relays. "Our training had been mainly focusing on speed as individuals, so that when we exchange the batons, it clicks instantly."
"The baton exchange we have been practising is just about seeing how well we can coordinate with each other and which athlete runs in which leg better and how to pass the baton comfortably and smoothly," he stated.
The experienced sprinter also praised the blend of youth and experience, with the seniors mentoring the younger athletes. "We have some very promising young talents in the squad. We are talking to them and advising them to be focused."
Otieno made a rallying call to the Kenyan fans to support the team as they look to make history in Tokyo. "I would call on support from all Kenyan's to see how far sprints have grown, especially qualifying the 4x100m."
