Despite Athletics Kenya switching the first Track and field meeting from Maseno University to Nyayo stadium, Jonah Kiprop and Abraham Rotich are optimistic they will shine.
While on their training session at Kipchoge Keino stadium on Thursday morning, the duo said the two day showpiece will be good now that they will be competing on tartan.
The federation had moved the weekend meet from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOUST) to Maseno University but it was later canceled and moved to Nairobi at the Nyayo National stadium.
Kiprop, who will compete in the 800m hopes to run well as he aims for the national trials for World Athletics Relays championships in the Chorzow, Poland’s Silesia at the Silesian Stadium from May 1st to May 2nd. The country has in recent years hosted the World U18 Championships in 1999, World U20 Championships and World Cross Country Championships among others.
“As much as I want to compete at the Olympic Games, these weekend meetings will be crucial for me because I am also aiming to compete at the world relays team after national relays trials set for next month,” said Kiprop after Tuesday training at the Eldoret’s Kipchoge keino stadium.
He said that he is also training well for the relays after competing in all the three championships held at the Nyayo National stadium.
“I competed in all the three national relays championships. In meeting one, I competed in 1000m finishing 4th in my heat, won the second heat and finished 5th at the finals and I have really improved and I want to improve at the finals,” said Kiprop.
Going to Nyayo, Kiprop said it is a good build up for Olympic Games since he is in good form
“In Maseno, I will be using the race as part of my training for national trials and entry into the Diamond Leagues since I have never competed in any. I want to use this weekend meets to secure a chance for Diamond Leagues,” explained Kiprop.
Rotich on the other hand said competing in Maseno will be gauging himself ahead of the Olympic Games.
Competing in 1,500m, Rotich assured that the race will be too tough now that the race consists of world 1,500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot.
“I will be looking for speed work in the race ahead of the Olympics. Having a personal best of 3:35, I have to work hard and improve. The competitive nature with the likes of Cheruioyt will give a health competition,” said Rotich.
Training under his new coach Henry Lebo, he has predicted good results.
“With the coming of the new coach, my preparations are good for the championships this weekend,” he added.
Others for the race include Eglay Nalianya and Naomi Korir who recently competed in Indoor Meetings.