Athletics Kenya will be taking a large contingent of sprinters to East Africa Under 18/20 Championships in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania next week.
The event is scheduled for March 14- 17 and Kenya will field a team of 29 athletes. The Under 18 category will feature nine girls and seven boys while the under 20 category, will have eight girls and six boys.
AK youth and development chairman Barnaba Korir said they want to empower sprinters in the country and they have to start with the juniors.
He said for the country to continue producing top sprinters, they have no choice but to increase their numbers, especially in the regional and continental events.
"During the national trials at the Nyayo Stadium, we selected two athletes in each category in the short distance and had only one in each in mid and long-distance races," said Korir.
He added that for a long time, Kenya has dominated in middle and long-distance running but it is high time they ventured into sprints not just at the national level but also internationally.
“The numbers in sprints have been growing by the day during AK weekend meetings and it's a high time they did something.
The Tanzania tour will feature —Beatrice Machoka (400m), Sharon Moraa (100m), Asefa Ajiambo (100m) and Jackline Nguyo (100m) in the under-18 category.
The boys in the same age group will be Naman Cheruiyot Kirui (400m), Samuel Toili (400m), and Duncan Kipngeno (200m).
The under-20 category will have —Girls: Judy Kemunto (400m), Everline Cheokoech (400m), Diana Khisa (200m) and Penina Mutisya (200m) and boys: Sabastian Kakaya (400m), Sammy Kiplagat (400m) and Isaac Omurwa (100m).
Other athletes are —Under-18: Girls— Jensine Logoo (high jump), Nancy Cherop (3,000m), Christine Musembi (javelin), Dorcas Chepkemoi (800m); Boys—Brian Muange (1,500m), Duncan Kipngeno (200m), Evans Kipkosgey (5000m), Amos Kipkemboi (800m) and Kelvin Kimutai Koech (800m).
Under 20: Girls—Marion Jepcngetich (5,000m), Diana Cherotich (5,000m), Irene Chepkemboi (javelin), Mercy Chepkemoi (1,500m); Boys: Nicholas Kipngetich (Long Jump), Justus Nyamai (5,000m) and Brian Kiptum (800m).
