European 110m hurdles champion Sasha Zhoya says the World Under 20 Championships in Nairobi has come at the right time for him to prepare an assault on the Paris Olympics in 2024.
The Frenchman, who boasts a personal best of 13.08, said he is looking to produce a strong performance at Moi Stadium, Kasarani to maintain a blistering momentum heading into the 33rd edition of the Olympics in his home city.
"I was happy to finally win my first international medal last month. I can't wait for the World U-20 Championships to begin. As you can see, we have a strong team in almost all the events," the 19-year old said.
He was among the 26 athletes and 10 officials from France, who landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Friday in readiness for the biennial championships, which commence Tuesday.
The sprint sensation, who has also competed in pole vault and decathlon, is optimistic they will emerge top of the medal table by August 22.
"Watch out for the French team in Nairobi. We have five gold medalists across different disciplines including hurdles and high jump. Since we are hosting the next Olympic Games in three years' time, the importance of this Championships cannot be over-emphasized," he said.
Among the prospective gold medalists is 19-year old pole vaulter Emma Brentel, who clinched silver at the European Championships.
"I am expecting stiff competition from not only my teammate but also Canada and Israel. But I will take that positively since my target is to hit 4.40m which is a French record," Brentel, who holds a personal best of 4.20m, said.
