African Games decathlon silver medallist Edwin Kimutai will work with experts in various field events to improve his performance in future assignments.
Kimutai is not perfect, especially, in field events hence the need to work with leaders in those disciplines.
Kimutai bagged 7140 points behind Algeria’s Dhiae Cherif, who had 7550 points. Egyptian Mahmoud Taher Abdelazim completed the top three positions with 6643.
Kimutai broke a 42-year Kenyan national record of 7076 points set by Charles Kokoyo on October 4-5, 1982.
“I am happy I broke the national record that had lasted for 42 years. This has inspired me to go even higher,” he said.
Yego, the 2015 world champion and 2016 Olympic silver medallist, is one of the experts Kimutai will be seeking help[ from in javelin throw.
“I need Yego to help me work on my javelin throw,” he said. “I keep on trying but I am not there yet. His input will go a long way in making me a better athlete.”
He will also seek help in discus and shot put. “I am good with the runs but there are a few challenges in field events. The only run I will need to work on seriously is the 1500m, where I am a bit slow. I want to work on my time to earn more points in my next assignment,” he said.
His next stop could be the Africa Senior Athletics Championships in Yaounde, Cameroon.
“I was at the last Africa Championships in Mauritius and finished fourth with 7011 points. I want to go a step better this time,” added Kimutai.
His performance in Accra has inspired him to work harder and set higher but realistic targets.
Kimutai missed out on the 2019 African Games in Rabat, Morocco, by a whisker and is grateful for a chance to make his debut in Accra.
Since he ventured into the decathlon, several athletes have picked interest. Unfortunately, they did not get a chance to accompany him.
“Decathlon is gaining momentum but we need support in getting the right equipment,” he observed.
He has a coach but still needs training support from the government.
“Paying Sh200 to train at the stadium is expensive for some of us. We will appreciate if we get support on this end.”
We need to train as a group but at the right facility and with the right equipment.
“Maybe the story here would have been different if I had company,” he quipped.
