With good facilities at the training camp, 10,000m race walk champion Harrington Wanyonyi is optimistic of bringing a medal for Kenya at the world under 20 athletics championships set for August 17th to 22nd at Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani stadium.
As the sole representative in men’s walk, Wanyonyi, who completed his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) at Ortum Boys in April said that life has changed for the better after joining the camp where training facilities are available.
The two time Kenya Secondary schools Sports Association (KSSSA) 10,000m Race Walk silver medalist won both the world under 20 pre-trials and national trials said he has high spirit of bringing silverware for the country at their home ground.
“This is the right time for me to improve tremendously in race walk because I have good training facilities and this will bring glory to the nation and my career,” said Wanyonyi who is currently camping at the Sports View Hotel in Nairobi.
Back in his home county of West Pokot, the walk champion used to travel all the way to Kenyatta stadium in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County for speed work but in Nairobi, the facilities are available.
As the only Kenyan walk I n men, Wanyonyi will be competing for the country for the first time and said the training ground has been good for him.
“I have good expectations of walking well. With a few days until the championships I need to work on a few tactics to ensure I beat the world,” added Wanyonyi.
Despite his high ambitions, Wanyonyi and the only lady Margaret Gati have not received a specialized coach to sharpen their skills.
“We have been told that the come will be coming today (Monday) evening and with that be assured of great results,” he added.
Wanyonyi, who has been playing second fiddle to World under 18 10,000m bronze medalist Dominic Ndigit got an opportunity to shine after his competitor graduated into senior cadre.
“Winning a ticket was a day to remember in my career as a junior runner, especially the technicalities of walking but I managed to claim the top position,” said Wanyonyi.
“This is a milestone in my career after competing in the first race this year. It is also bad for me since I have missed school championships,” said Wanyonyi.
Wanyonyi won silver at the 2018 and 2019 KSSSA in the 10,000m walk in 42:03, losing to Ndigit in the two years.
“Right now I have focused on winning a medal and Kenyans should expect good results from me,” he assured.
The walker said he is focused to walk for the country at the postponed World under 20 Athletics championships to be staged in Nairobi.