African champ Lekuta targets more success in Finland

Africa Under-20 800m champion Solomon Lekuta will be targeting a first global title at the World Under-20 Championships scheduled for July 10-15 in Tampere, Finland.

Lekuta who is inspired by his namesake, two-time Olympic and two-time World champion David ‘King’ Rudisha, says he hopes to carry his dominance beyond the continent having enjoyed a golden outing in Algeria.

“After Algeria I rested for a while before I began my build up sessions in October to which my body has responded well. I have also been racing in the 1,500m for endurance.

“My target is podium finish and hopefully I can emulate Rudisha in the long run because he is my role model. He was patient in achieving his goals so I’m taking things step by step too,” Lekuta said.

Before heading for Finland, the 19-year-old says he will compete at the Shanghai Diamond League in China on May 12 in his normal discipline for experience.

He added that his debut at Algeria motivated a lot and left him thirsty for more international glory.

His achievement in Algeria is more impressive considering Team Kenya had faced financial constraints ahead of the Games and only met on the eve of their travel date.

At the time, Sports Cabinet Secretary Dr. Hassan Wario had laid blame on Athletics Kenya (AK) for failing to inform his docket that they would send a team to the continental competition.

It meant AK National Youth Chairman Barnaba Korir had to make ends meet after Wario said that all monies had been channeled for the World U18 Championships that were being hosted at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani between July 12-16.

Despite the setbacks, Team Kenya managed to bag a total of 10 medals; four gold, four silver and two bronze medals and finished fourth overall in the continent.