Rising stars in action as Kenya World Athletics U20 trials begin at Kasarani

Athletes compete in 1500m during the Nairobi region pre-trials for the World Under 20 Championships Trials at Nyayo stadium. [Standard Sports]

The eagerly awaited Athletics Kenya National World Under-20 trials are underway at Kasarani Stadium.

The action started this morning with the Local Organising Committee testing for Covid-19 all journalists covering the event.

Kenya is set to host the World Athletics event from August 17-22 in Nairobi, where 122 countries will take part.

Already, the World Athletics LOC has secured team hotels and what remains is for Athletics Kenya to selects its team beginning today through to Sunday.

All eyes will be in the 10,000m race where Reuben Mosin will lead other top junior athletes at the Athletics Kenya trials.

Mossin, who was among five athletes sponsored by betting firm Bangbet Kenya during the Athletics Kenya North Rift region pre-trials, won the 5,000m title to book his ticket to the three-day national trials.

The betting firm sponsored five athletes, who all qualified for the nationals, led by Mossin, Evans Kipruto, who will compete in triple jump, long jump and 400m hurdles, Lydia Cheruiyot (3,000m), Franklin Kiptoo (3,000) and Shalyne Chemtai (3,000m steeplechase).

Coach Edward Moti of Siyoi Athletics Training Camp in West Pokot county, where the athletes are based, is confident that at least three of ‘Team Bangbet’ members will make Team Kenya.

“Due to the training and the level of fitness they have been undergoing, I know they will make the cut. Remember, we had our trials in Iten, which is high altitude and this gives us an advantage over the rest,” said Moti.

Like Mosin, Kipruto is also oozing with confidence. “During the pre-trials at Lornah Kiplagat Sports Academy, I was in good shape, winning the race and at the trials, I want to run from the front to avoid missing out. I want to be in the Under-20 team and my target is to win a gold medal in the championships,” he said.

“I want to thank Bangbet for the support they gave us. We had an advantage over the others because of their motivation,” added Kipruto.

Reuben Mosin during the North Rift Regional Athletics Kenya Trials. [Standard Sports]

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