Paris Olympics 2024: Race-walking veteran Gathimba going for glory in Paris

Samuel Gathimba in a training session at Kasarani Stadium. [NOC-K Media]

Kenyan race-walking veteran Samuel Gathimba believes he has what it takes to win a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games slated for July 26-August 11 in France.

The 2019 African champion will set his foot on the streets on the morning of August 1 as he aims to leave a mark on the games.

After finishing fourth in the 2023 world championships held in Budapest Hungary, is confident of making it to the podium.

Gathimba, who is training at Kasarani where the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) has set as the team’s residential camp, will be banking on his vast experience gained over the years to shine in Paris.

Samuel Gathimba in a training session at Kasarani Stadium. [NOC-K Media]

“The experience I got in Rio 2016 combined with all the African championships I have won medals inwill play a critical role in shaping the race I will have in Paris. I believe I have now come of age to be able to deliver in a major world event like the Olympic Games,” said Gathimba

Despite missing out in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Gathimba remained focused and managed to bounce back in style after clocking 1:18:34 at the Budapest event.

“I have been practicing and I feel I am not only physically prepared but also mentally to do my very best in Paris. My goal is to show Kenya and the world that the walking race is just a prestigious discipline like all the others by winning a medal in Paris,” said Gathimba.