Ruto launches Kenya’s medal hunt at Africa Junior championships
The national junior athletics team begin their quest to conquer the continent when they take the national stadium track in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this evening for the 12th edition of the Africa Junior Championships.
The team will feature in two final events this evening.
Africa youth 2000m silver medalist Stella Ruto leads the chase for a gold medal in the 3,000m where she will be joined by Dorcas Nzembi early this evening.
Abraham Kibiwott and Vincent Ruto will be Kenya’s only hope in the 3,000m steeplechase which will be the closing event of the first day’s action.
Speaking from Ethiopia, Athletics Kenya vice president in charge of competitions David Okeyo said the team is in high spirits, having had a feel of the competition track yesterday morning.
“The team is in high spirits and we are hopeful of a good performance this year,” Okeyo said.
“However, competition will be tough as the rest of the countries have sent strong teams after an attitude change towards the continental championship.”
Athletes from 41 African countries are expected to participate in this year’s competition.
Meanwhile, Okeyo has been re-elected the vice president of the Confederation of African Athletics. He was elected during the CAA congress on Tuesday in Addis Ababa.
“I have been re-elected as the CAA vice president which is a great honour for Kenya and myself,” Okeyo said.
He described the achievement as an honour that confirm’s the continents confidence in Kenya due to their impressive performances both regionally and globally over the years.
“It gives me confidence as we look forward to the IAAF Congress and elections where I will be seeking to recapture my seat as the chairman of the IAAF Cross Country Committee,” Okeyo said..
Courtesy of the-star.co.ke