Kenya’s 10-member squad from the World Indoor Championships has returned home following a spirited campaign in Nanjing, China.
Led by team manager Abdullahi Omar, the delegation also included coaches Vincent Mumo and 2008 Olympic silver medalist Janeth Jepkosgei, alongside team physio Mathew Kipchumba and safeguarding officer Esther Kavaya.
The squad, captained by 800m specialist Collins Kipruto, featured notable names such as Olympians Vivian Chebet and Lilian Odira (800m), Susan Ejore (1,500m), and 2022 World Indoor silver medalists Noah Kibet and Alex Ngeno (800m). Also part of the team were Dorcas Ewoi (1,500m), Festus Lagat (1,500m), Purity Gitonga (3,000m), and Cornelius Kemboi (3,000m).
While the team did not secure any medals, Athletics Kenya (AK) lauded their resilience on the global stage. Speaking at Riadha House on Tuesday, AK’s chair for youth development, Barnaba Korir, praised the athletes for their dedication.
“We appreciate their performance. Whenever an athlete competes, their goal is to win. Though they didn’t bring back medals, they represented Kenya with pride,” said Korir.
Challenges in Indoor Racing
Team manager Omar acknowledged that competing at the World Indoors is always a challenge for Kenya due to limited exposure to indoor racing.
“The performance was commendable. Kenya rarely competes indoors, so it was a learning experience,” he noted.
Coach Mumo echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the lack of proper indoor training facilities in Kenya as a major hurdle.
“Every country came to win. Our athletes did their best, but the lack of indoor facilities remains a challenge,” he said.
Despite the challenges, captain Kipruto commended his teammates for their efforts.
“The competition was tough, but we did our best according to our abilities,” he concluded.
Kenya now shifts its focus to upcoming outdoor competitions as the team continues to build on its experience from the global stage.
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