• The seasoned sprinter emphasized the significance of clinching a top 14 spot and aiming for the podium to bolster their chances of Olympic qualification.
• Mutua sighted that the team had witnessed an improvement in their time during training owing to their participation in the ASA Grand Prix continental tour in South Africa last month.
Image: HANDOUT
Veronica Mutua is confident of a top 14 finish in the women’s 4x400m relay during the World Relay championships in Nassau, Bahamas this weekend.
Mutua will be in the company of Diana Chebet, Joan Cherono, Jackline Nanjala, Rahab Wanjiru and Vanice Kerubo.
A total of 180 athletes from 27 countries will be taking part in the women's 4x400m event.
The seasoned sprinter emphasised the significance of clinching a top 14 spot and podium finish as they seek to bolster their chances of qualifying for the Olympic Games.
“Our mission in the Bahamas is simple. Make the top 14 teams for the Olympics. We are also looking at a podium finish in the women’s race,” Mutua stated.
At stake in the Bahamas meet are direct qualifications for the Paris Olympic Games for the top 14 teams in each event.
On Day One, the top two teams in each heat will advance to the final while also securing their Paris 2024 qualification.
All other teams will compete on Day Two in the additional round, where the top two teams in each heat will also qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Mutua said the team had improved their time during training, owing to their participation in the ASA Grand Prix continental tour in South Africa last month.
“We have improved on our time since the ASA Grand Prix in South Africa. The championship was a perfect platform for us to refine our skills,” she noted.
Kenya placed second in the continental tour, clocking 3:42:97 behind the hosts who clocked 3:38:21.
Under the guidance of seasoned sprints coach Stephen Mwaniki, the team has been focusing on perfecting their baton exchanges at the Nyayo National Stadium.
“We've been working tirelessly on our baton handling. It's been a challenge for Kenyan relay teams, but with the right technique, we're confident of Olympic qualification,” she added.
However, Mutua acknowledged the tough competition ahead, particularly from Olympic defending champions USA, Jamaica, Britain, and world 4x400m champions Netherlands.
“The USA, Netherlands, Jamaica, and Britain will provide a stern test. But we're ready to push ourselves and meet the Olympic qualification standard,” she affirmed.
At the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the USA team clinched the 4x400m title in 3:16.85, while the Netherlands secured the World Athletics Championships title in Budapest, Hungary last year after clocking 3:20.72.
Apart from Olympic slots, the teams will also vie for prize money, with the top eight teams set to be awarded.
The top team stands to bag Sh5.3 million ($40,000), second place Sh2.7 million (US$20,000) and third place Sh1.3 million ($10,000).
Additionally, teams breaking a world record will be awarded Sh6.6 million (US$50,000) in prize money, subject to ratification.
The relay teams were scheduled to depart last evening for the Bahamas.