After missing out to represent the country at the Olympic Games that concluded today in Tokyo, Japan, Kamar Etiang will have an opportunity to run for Kenya at the World under 20 athletics championships next week.
Etiang, who missed the opportunity due to the anti-doping rules, will fly the Kenyan flag in 1,500m after he replaced injured Emmanuel Lemama, who placed second during the Kenyan trials last month.
The West Pokot based athlete who was initially named in Olympics team after finhsing second in 1,500m national trials was replaced by world 1,500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot who went ahead to win silver at the games.
Speaking during the kit handover ceremony, the Athletics Kenya (AK) Youth Development Committee chairman said that Lemama requested to be replaced after sustaining an injury.
“We assessed the situation and therefore saw it fit to replace him with Etiang who was unlucky not to represent Kenya at the Tokyo Games,” said Korir
Korir implored the athletes to enjoy the Championships without subjecting themselves to unnecessary pressure associated with such events.
“I want to encourage the athletes, team to approach the Games as part of entertainment, it is not a matter of life and death, the essence is to have fun because this is part of your development process,” Told shared with the juniors.
Korir was accompanied by Dr. David Karuri, the Deputy Director, Medical for the junior Championships who challenged the athletes not to lower their guard as they enter the penultimate week before the Championships.
Karuri said all 45 Team Kenya athletes will be subjected to a final covid-19 test before heading to Ole Sereni Hotel, official team Kenya hotel for the competition.
“On August 12th we will undertake the crucial tests. Only covid negative athletes will proceed to camp,” he concluded.
Team Kenya General Team Manager Elizabeth Keitany applauding AK for ensuring the athletes who have been in camp for three weeks are well taken care of.
“The athletes are excited because most of them will be representing Kenya for the first time. I can confirm that all athletes and officials have received all the items they need ahead of the games scheduled to start on August 17,” said Keitany.