Reigning Africa Under 18 javelin silver medallist Martha Nthanze Musai and East Africa School Games Champion Wilson Lentunyei will be leading Kenya at the world under 20 athletics championships set for next week at the Kasarani stadium, Nairobi.
Musai, who threw 48.96m at the 2019 African U18 and U20 Championships in Athletics, behind South African Heike de Nyssechen (51.57) as Egyptian Shakenaz Zinwefky settled for third place after a throw of 42.98m is confident of a slot in the available podium places.
“I started competing in javelin while I was in class eight and proceeded to the national level, advancing to that level motivated me and started taking my training seriously. When I joined Ngoleni Girls High school, I continued with my training and improved which led me to winning a gold medal during the Africa under 18 Championship in Algeria. I believe that I have the experience to compete and get a podium place.
“I can see a bright future in javelin though the competition will be tough. I hope I will also be an Olympics medallist and a world champion like my hero Julius Yego,” said Musai.
Lentunyei will lead men’s category. The Laikipia based athlete is the former student at Kambaa Boys High School in Nyandarua County started Javelin in 2015 under Coach Paul Kiplimo after watching his role model claim the top podium place in Beijing China.
“I was drawn to Javelin when Yego won a world title during the Beijing World Athletics Championships. When I made it to team Kenya, I was so excited to get an opportunity to represent my county at an international level. I am confident that I can beat the world and take the top podium place during the Javelin finals.”
Lentunyei who has represented Kenya thrice in the East Africa School Games, is currently working on his runway take off, angle of throwing his javelin among other techniques.