Blow to Kenya as triathloner Suleiman break finger, pull out of Games

Kenya’s medal prospect in triathlon in the 2018 Commonwealth Games has suffered a huge set back before the competition gets underway later today after Said Suleiman Ahmed pulled out after breaking his finger.

With Suleiman’s withdrawal, Kenya’s hope is now pegged on female competitor Hanifa Said.

“I was in transition from swimming to cycling and that’s when I fell and broke my right ring finger.The operation was successful and now I’m fine but I will not be competing, I believe in Hanifa who is fine. I have been training with her and she is going to do well.”

The 19-year-old national junior champion had hopes of breaking to the top 10, here in Gold Coast, after finishing ninth in the 2017 Africa Championship.

Together with Hanifa, the two had their swimming preparations in Mombasa before moving to the high altitude training in Eldoret for the cycling and running.

With Suleiman’s withdrawal, Kenya’s hope is now pegged on female competitor Hanifa Said, 24, who will take part in 750m swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run, starting from 9:31 local time which is 0:31 am Kenyan time.

Kenyan Boxer Nike Okoth will be the firstKenyann on the ring in the Men’s 60kg lightweight bout round of 32, against Trinidada and Tobego Michael Alexander at 12:02 local time, 3:02 am Kenyan time.

Other kenyans in action are Hardeep Reel in the men’s Squash Singles round of 64, where he will face Othniel Bailey of the St Vincent and the Grenadines at 3:30am Kenyan time. Khaaliqa Nimji will play Nikki Todd in the Women’s Singles round of 32 at 4:50am kenyan time.

In lawn ball, women singles Section C, round 1, Eunice Mbugua will square it out with Catherine Wimp, of Papua New Guinea at mid night before meeting Carmen Anderson of Norfolk Island at 3:00am Kenyan time.

Kenya’s contingent of 138 athletes, 77 of them men and 61 women, will be aiming to eclipse last edition’s performance where Kenya.