Coach Mwaniki urges Kenyan athletes to explore sprints

Kenya Prisons sprints coach Stephen Mwaniki wants more emphasis put on short races and field events as Kenya looks to extend their global athletics dominance beyond long distance running.

The veteran coach who has also handled national team sprinters says there is need to explore other departments where Kenyans have failed to shine as the 2017 Nairobi World Under-18 championships beckon.

Furthermore, Mwaniki pointed out there should be proper collaboration between schools and national coaches in preparing the team for the July competition.

“This is a big event coming to Nairobi, presenting us a chance to show the world what we can do even in areas we have not excelled before. Other countries have minimum requirements for qualification but for us it’s all about fielding athletes of required age.

“We know the events we have always dominated which are important because they have placed us on the world map, but looking ahead we have an opportunity to seriously extend to other areas starting at home.

“I thank God we have the Bahamas World Relays coming up in April, which should have our youngsters specializing in the discipline incorporated in the preparations to gather momentum and learn from the seniors too ahead of championships,” Mwaniki told Citizen Digital.

He expressed confidence with the trainers handling junior athletes at school levels, saying what matters is the coordination with the national coordinators.

“Ahead of any championships build ups are very important, in terms of competitions. I have seen good preparations among Nairobi region schools so far, I hope it is the same case in other regions before the business on national team selection comes.

“The teachers we have in schools handling these youngsters are Athletics Kenya (AK) trained, but they need to have elaborate programs for build ups to give their best,” Mwaniki added.

The four-day event will kick-off on July 12 and end in 16 and will be held at the Safaricom Sports Stadium, Kasarani.

Kenya finished second behind USA in the last edition of the biennial event held in Cali, Colombia, with a total of 13 medals (five gold, four silver and four bronze).

Unsurprisingly, all the 13 medals came from 2000m, 3000m, 1500m and 800m as Kenya’s dismal showing in field events and short distances continued.

Amid fears the event might be overshadowed by the atmosphere around the country’s forthcoming General Elections, Mwaniki assured athletics enthusiasts will remain loyal as ever.

“In 2010 we had the referendum campaigns but didn’t affect the African Athletics Championships. In fact we have never seen such a crowd in the name of athletics converging in Nyayo Stadium (Nairobi) like then.

“However, this being a junior championship calls for more sensitization by the media and all stakeholders. Let everyone including people deep in the villages know Nairobi is hosting this event, when politicians sing their political songs we must sing our beloved sport song,” Mwaniki advised.