Keberesi Camp: Athletes keep World Under-20 dream despite Covid-19

Gilbert Kiprotich in Kisii

The unprecedented outbreak of coronavirus might have put on hold dreams of upcoming athletes at Keberesi Training Camp but has not killed the determination and dreams of the athletes who were eyeing the World Under-20 Championships.

The global event was primed for July 7-12 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani but was postponed owing to the virus.

The camp which is located in Kisii County is home to 53 young athletes hailing from different parts of the country and was among the 19 camps that were established by Athletics Kenya (AK) to train probable runners for the World Under-20 event.

With virtually all the athletes being students, head coach Dennis Odongo said they were ready to channel athletes to the national team for the biannual event.

“We were certain that we would have at least three athletes in the national team but because what happened is beyond our control, we can only hope all shall be well soon. For us we will remain focused on our cause even if the championship is held next year then we will be ready,” said Odongo.

The athletes train at St Peters Keberesi Secondary School where a majority of the students also school while the youngest study at Ilui Primary School, which is also a feeder school.

Africa junior 5,000m champion Dolphine Omare who is currently based in Japan is one of the athletes who has risen in the camp.

The camp had produced one athlete – Christine Chesiro (5km, Under-18) in the national team for the Africa Cross Country Championships that was slated for Lome, Togo on April 8.

Odongo further disclosed that Eunice Boke (800m) who has represented Kenya in two international events was among the athletes who were likely to make the national team.

For Boke, although the postponement of the event initially left her disappointed, she is now looking forward to the new dates.

“I was training hard ahead of the national trials which did not take place but I am still working hard as I wait for the competitions to resume,” said Boke who hails from Migori County.

The form two student at St Peters Keberesi Secondary School was however quick to observe the stark contrast in the life of an athlete before and after the advent of coronavirus.

“Initially we used to train as group but because of social distancing we have to train individually. We only rely on our coaches to develop programs and then we follow it at home,” said Boke.