World under 20 Race Walk champion Heristone Wanyonyi has committed himself to walk to the podium at the 2022 World Race Walking Team Challenge set for Oman between April 4th to 5th in Jordan.
Wanyonyi, who was the surprise winner of the World Under 10,000m champion at the Kasarani stadium last year has hinted that good results that will be posted at the championships will be part of the qualifiers for this year’s World under 20 championships that will be held in Cali, Colombia.
Speaking on Tuesday morning after morning training at the Kasarani stadium, the 19-year-old said the preparations have been on top gear and his aim is to reach the podium.
“Today I had good training with my coach Gabriel Otiamei with hopes of finishing on the podium at the World Race Walking Team Challenge. I have a few days of preparations and this will make a mark in my walk career,” said Wanyonyi.
On Monday, the Kenya Race walk team met at the Riadha House on their final list to secure competition chances, saying the process was good and heading for the championships, he wants to make his career better when he graduates to senior level.
“This has been good and heading for the Challenge, and the world is waiting to see how this Kenyan lad will be performing after my good walk at the World under 20 Championships in Kasarani,” he said.
With his target to defend the World under 20 title in Cali, he said that his performance in Oman will give him an upper hand for the title defence.
“Am very ready to defend my title. And I know that my opponents are also preparing well knowing the champion will be coming. With such preparations, I will miss the Kisumu Weekend meet this weekend because I need quality time to correct a few mistakes and learn some techniques with only two weeks to the championships,” added Wanyonyi.
Born on 30th June 2003, Wanyonyi has also set eyes on how he will be competing at the World championships and Commonwealth Games also set for this year.
“When we are done with the world Challenge, we shall come up with the calendar and training programme for a 20km walk to secure a chance to compete in the senior ranks. With such training, I would like to compete at the World Championships as well as the Commonwealth games,” he added