Cornelius Kogo is taking up the space in athletics just like his father, the former world 10km record holder Micah Kogo.
As one of the beneficiaries of the Ministry of Sports and Athletics Kenya, the athlete has been training at the Complete Sports in Uasin Gishu County ahead of Confederation of Africa Athletics under 19 championships set for April in Lusaka, Zambia.
As one of the captains in the training camp, Kogo said that he has been using the opportunity to earn a scholarship as well as running well to represent the country at major championships.
“I have been here for the last two week and I have gained much experience ahead of the Africa under 20 championships. This was a great opportunity presented to me, which is good for my career,” said Kogo.
Kogo who was one of the 38 (27 boys and 11 girls) junior athletes based at the camp told the Athletics Kenya officials on Sunday that the training was smooth and sharpened his skills in readiness for championships.
“We have been here and the federation played a critical role to ensure that we sharpen our talents to the top of the world. As we shall leave this place, we shall use the same skills acquired here for our career,” said Kogo.
At the same time, he said that he has been trying to get the education scholarship but he is not lucky to earn one.
“This place is good when it comes to earning scholarships, however, I have not earned one so far but I believe I will. Last time, I tried with the American Embassy but I did not manage to get one. I have done time trials several times but I have hope that I will get one this year,” he added.
Kogo is one of the few athletes whose parents ran, putting their names on the global map and he wants to extend the name at his young age.
“My father (Micah Kogo) as a first born son, has been very supportive to my career. He has been advising me to take one step after the other and at the end of the day I will manage to get what I have been looking for in the progress of my running life,” said the junior Kogo.