Team Kenya race walk coach David Kimutai wants Dominic Ndigiti and Sylvia Cherono to leverage the experience of Samuel Gathimba and Emily Ngii and make a name for themselves at the African Games in Accra, Ghana.
Kimutai, an African champion, African Games winner and Commonwealth Games medallist, held talks with the walkers and expects them to execute their race according to the script tomorrow.
He also wants them to remain hydrated to counter the hot conditions in Ghana. The sun will be up when the race starts at 8 am.
“We knew we would encounter these conditions and trained under the sun in Nairobi. We used to train early in the morning but changed the schedule to mid-day,” he said.
“Race walking can be huge in Kenya if we take it seriously and receive training support from the authorities. These guys only need attention and medals will follow,” said Kimutai, one of the pioneer race walkers in Kenya.
Kimutai has asked Ndigiti to follow Gathimba, the defending champion. The veteran walker has already qualified for the Olympic Games and will start the race as the favourite.
“Gathimba has been on a bigger platform and done it and I don’t see why he cannot win again. I am more concerned about Ndigiti and Cherono. I want them to do the right thing to carve a niche for themselves. Most walkers here haven’t posted meaningful times compared to Gathimba, who has a personal best of 1:19:24,” he noted.
Gathimba is fit and ready.
“I want to ensure I hold Ndigiti’s hand in this journey and if he is strong, we can both end up on the podium,” said Gathimba.
The weather will be a challenge but since the race will start in the morning, they will hack it. In his assessment, he is the most senior walker in the field and will start favourite.
Ndigiti has trained well and is ready to follow instructions to the letter. “I know Gathimba’s experience is out of this world. I will follow him but remain careful not to burn myself out,” he noted.
“I want to be on the podium irrespective of the colour of the medal. I have always wanted to compete here and now that I have the chance, I promise not to disappoint.”
