Seventeen-year-old Doricah Isoe is optimistic of winning a gold medal at the International Schools Sports Federation (ISF) World Cross Country at the Ngong Racecourse, Nairobi, on Sunday.
However, the Form Three student at St Peters Keberesi High School in Kisii said, despite their ambitions individually, teamwork will be key to sweeping the podiums on home soil.
“I am going for gold at the ISF Cross country. I want to promise Kenyans, my family and fans that I will not disappoint,” she said.
“We are here with the purpose of training together as a team which is an advantage for all of us. We must sweep the podium as Team Kenya to prove that the organisers picked the right hosts.”
The Keberesi Training Camp athlete will compete in the Under 18 category alongside Abigael Chebet, Diana Chepkemoi, Dorcas Chepkwemoi, Joyline Chepkemoi, Mary Nyaboke, Mercy Chemweno, Miriam Wangui, Sheila Chepngeno, Vanenza Chebet and Miriam Chemutai.
“We depend on hard work, good training, listening to coaches’ advice and being disciplined,” she added.
She expressed her readiness to put her best foot forward.
“The competition will be a defining moment for me and my teammates. With the kind of training and preparations we have had, we shall make it to the top,” she said.
Meanwhile, Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association Chairman Kipchumba Maiyo assured that they picked the best team for the job through an open process.
“There was no shortcut in the selections. This contingent will show the rest of the world what kind of metal Kenya is made of,” said Maiyo.
Event Director Uros Savic said the championship is more than just sports. It will act as an educational trip for the participating students.
“Even though we will have no prize money, the cross country will leave a legacy on the students. It will teach them some of the values needed to excel in life,” Savic observed.
A total of 419 participants (of 460) expected from 21 countries are already in the country.
