Junior sprinters Chebet, Simiyu excited after landing second chance

Sprinters Mercy Chebet and Sylvester Simiyu are keen to capitalise on  their second chances to win medals at the forthcoming World Under-20 Athletics Championships set for August 17-22 at Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani.

Both junior athletes did not qualify to represent the country in 100m but Kenya, by virtue of being the the host nation,were given a chance to select top runners to fly the country's lag.

 The two won their respective 100m races during trials hence were granted the opportunity.

Chebet, a form two student at the Musaria Secondary School in Kericho County, was grateful for the opportunity and promised to live up to expectations. " I will give the event my best shot and I will not disappoint AK who given me the opportunity. I am training well in the camp and I hope to win a medal for Kenya,” said Chebet.

Chebet, who will be making her debut at international level,  has promised to improve on her time during the junior event.

“My target is to improve my time to 11.0 from 12.06 , which I posted during the National Trials at the same venue. I have to use this opportunity to showcase my talent to the world,” she said .

However, she attributed her poor performance to the coronavirus pandemic, noting there has not enough time to train especially with the group. 

“It is hard to gauge yourself especially when training alone,” added Chebet.

Simiyu, who did his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) this year at the Goseta Boys in Trans Nzoia County, said he is looking to emulate national 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala. 

He says Omanyala has been inspiring him and has had an opportunity to compete against his idol in a number of races including AK Track and Field at the Nyayo Stadium.

“When Omanyala qualified for the Olympic Games, I was so happy because we trained together. Heading for the World Under-20, I want to run my heart out to prove I deserved the second chance,” said Simiyu.

He added that he has been training only 300m a day back at home but at the camp, he has all that is needed to perform.

“Lack of training facilities back home might have played a role in my dismal results. Now I have the facilities and technical personnel at my disposal and it's up to me to perform,” said Simiyu who enjoys 10.7 seconds personal best and aiming 10.3.