After ditching rugby for athletics, sprinter Tyson Juma is now targeting to make his major breakthrough with a Team Kenya debut next year.
Juma, who turned out for Masinde Muliro University of Science and technology until early this year, said he is targeting the World Athletics Relays in China, the All Africa Games in Ghana and the World Championships in Budapest.
“My focus is on all of next year's major championships. I just want to run sub-10 seconds…that will be enough for me,” Juma said.
Juma, who trains at Moi Stadium, Kasarani, said his shift from rugby to athletics was influenced by a skull depression he got during the 2021 KRU Championship semifinals.
“I had played rugby for almost seven years and I think it was time for a switch…God’s time, I would say. I decided to focus on sprints because I used to be fast in rugby. People used to call me 'speed star' in primary school,” he said.
Juma said he looks up to Africa 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala and his sister, Joyce Akinyi, who plays karate.
“Omanyala is a good friend of mine and he inspires me a lot. My sister, Akinyi, who plays karate, is also my mentor. She is very determined and hardworking,” he said.
Juma outlined that his sprinting journey has not been a walk in the park as he has encountered a bout of injuries and financial challenges. He, however, noted that despite the difficulties, he is not giving up.
“Challenges are there…I have had a couple of injuries, financial challenges too. Being committed to sprints has not been easy because I had to make huge sacrifices like relocating to Nairobi," he said.
"Nevertheless, these challenges will not stop me from being who I am. I do not want to put excuses regardless of what happens. I want to keep pushing forward,” he said.
Juma also had some advice for the young people who aspire to be great sportspersons.
“You need to put God first in everything you do. Keep the focus and discipline and do not do what others are doing, be unique,” he concluded.
