Japanese-based youngster Margaret Akidor says her ultimate dream this year is to compete at the World Championship in Oregon after failing to represent the country at the Africa Cross Country Championship in Lome, Togo.
The 21-year-old was set to don Team Kenya singlet for the continental showpiece — in the 8km under 20 women's race — before the tournament was shelved because of the coronavirus pandemic.
"My desire is to run in Oregon, representing Kenya in the 5000m. It was very disappointing to miss out on the African Cross Country because I was looking forward to it. Making your debut for the national team is the dream of every young athlete," Akidor said.
Since that heartbreak, Akidor has been hard at work in Tokyo, taking Japanese lessons while running under Comodi-iida Athletics Club.
She has also been keenly watching double Olympic 5000m silver medalist Hellen Obiri, describing her as a role model for her young career.
"She is someone I admire a lot and try to imitate her running style. I like the fact that she is a hard worker, always passionate and determined while on the track," the Niigata Record Meeting 5000m champion said.
Akidor believes she has grown in leaps and bounds in Japan despite the initial challenges she encountered with the local cuisine.
"The food can be a bit uncomfortable but I have gotten used to it with time. I have been studying Japanese and at the end of this year, I will be done with my studies so as to concentrate on running for my company," she said.
Akidor added: "I have been in the country for the past three months, training and participating in local races. I will be returning to Japan on March 27. I enjoy running in Japan because back there the weather is quite cool and conducive."
Part of her itinerary while in the motherland was to compete at the Athletics Kenya track and field weekend series.
At the third leg of the competition at Nyayo Stadium, Akidor timed 15:26.81 to win the women's 5000m as her fellow Japanese residents, Teresia Muthoni (15:29.43) and Rebecca Mwangi (15:32.16) finished second and third respectively.
Akidor said the win forms part of the fond memories she will have of Kenya as she departs for Japan.
"At the second leg of the series, I finished third and knew that I have to improve. One of my weak points has been finishing and I improved on it in the third leg. Still, I was surprised about the victory but incredibly happy," she said.
