National junior coach Robert Ngisirei believes talent alone is not enough for young athletes to win medals in sprints and field events in the international arena.
He said the juniors need exposure if they are to qualify in their respective events for major championships including next month's Africa Under 20 Championships.
Ngisireidescribed the just concluded East Africa U18/20 track and field championships in Dar-es-salaam in Tanzania as low-key.
He said for Kenyans to make it to Africa Under 20/18, they need to work extra hard especially during national trials later this month.
“The Tanzania competition was lower as compared to other events but it was good exposure for young athletes, especially in sprints and field events. However, more effort is needed,” said Ngisirei.
He said so far only one sprinter has qualified for the Lusaka championships that will run from April 29 to May 3.
“As a coach, I know the qualifying standards are high and I hope many athletes will qualify during national trials from March 24-25 at the Nyayo National Stadium,” added Ngisirei.
He said the sprinters need to be exposed to serious training and be many competitions to improve their performance.
He said the sprinters, who are expected in the country from Miramas, France for a training camp will boost Kenya’s medal prospects.
“The team from Miramas has gained much experience needed for sprints. The training camp has been helpful for Kenyans and most of them have improved on their time,” he said.
He said though the country is still far off in the field events, they are fast improving. " We will still have three to four athletes who have attained the qualifying time in the category," he noted.
Ngisirei said Irene Jepkemoi, who won gold in javelin in the under-20 in Dar is yet to qualify and so is the Under-18 javelin winner, Christine Musembi.
