Three-time national 100m champion Esther Mbagari is psychologically prepared for her second major outing after a disappointing performance at the African Games in March.
Mbagari clinched her third title during the National Championships at the Ulinzi Sports Complex two weeks ago, finishing in 11.77 seconds. She also defended her 200m title with a time of 23.63 seconds.
The national championships doubled up as trials for the African Senior Championships set for June 21-26 in Douala, Cameroon.
Mbagari said she was nervous during the African Games in Accra, Ghana, since it was her first major competition outside Kenya. She emphasised her readiness for the upcoming meet in Cameroon.
“I am well prepared psychologically for the African Championships. My performance at the African Games was not up to my expectations due to anxiety,” said Mbagari, 23.
She was eliminated in the 100m heats, finishing fifth in Heat Five in 12.00. She placed sixth in 200m semifinal two, clocking 24.25 seconds.
She said the weather condition in Accra was her main challenge. “The weather wasn’t conducive and my body didn’t acclimatise quickly,” she explained.
Mbagari said the competition was equally intense, especially from West Africans. “The competition was intense, with strong rivals from the Gambia and Nigeria,” she said.
However, that experience has fueled her determination. “It helped me gain meaningful experience that will propel me to greater performances in Cameroon,” she added.
Her dominant display at the national championships is evidence of her resolve to get her first international medal. Mbagari has a personal best of 11.47 seconds in the 100m set at the World Athletics Championships trials at Nyayo Stadium last July.
