The 2015 world javelin champion Julius Yego is worried about Kenya's future in the throw due to lack of adequate support for upcoming talents.
Yego, the African champion and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, said: “The country has talented youngsters but the problem is lack of support. There are very few training facilities and they are hardly accessible."
"For someone who does not have their own training equipment, javelin throw will remain just a dream,” he added.
Yego, the 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallist, said his 85.70m throw at the Club Games was a morale booster after a long struggle with form and injuries, which had seen many write him off.
“The bronze medal has motivated me. It gives me hope that I can bounce back from anything. I also achieved my target with my best throw,” he observed.
Yego, a National Police Officer attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, said he is getting better and plans to dive deeper into serious training.
“I am working on getting fitter and healthier. The nagging groin injury is getting better. I now plan to work on my speed and techniques…the two are my strengths. I still believe I can do better despite the setbacks,” Yego said.
He revealed that his focus now shifts to next year’s World Championships in Budapest and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“Next target is the World Championships next year and I am aiming for a podium finish. Gracing the Olympics for the fourth time will also be a great milestone,” he said, adding that he is not focusing on any other event.
“My manager and I agreed that I should just train extensively as I look forward to next year,” he said.
Meanwhile, Yego has lamented the high qualifying standards for Budapest 2023 as released by the World Athletics on Monday.
"The bar is too high and I do not know how we will achieve those standards in the sprints and field events," he posted on his Facebook page.
