Rotich sets sights on World relay after lighting up Nyayo

Rotich sets sights on World relay after lighting up Nyayo

World 800m bronze medallist Ferguson Rotich has set his sights on the World Relay Championships slated for Poland in May after dismantling a strong field in the men’s 800m during the third leg of Athletics Kenya (AK) relays series held on Saturday at the Nyayo Stadium.

The 31-year-old outpaced Commonwealth Games 800m champion to win the third heat of the men’s race in 1:45.64. Wycliffe Kinyamal was second in 1:46.09 while Abel Kipsang placed third in 1:46.36.

With the trials for the World Relay set for March 26-27, Rotich said his focus is to make the cut for the global showpiece.

The Kericho-based athlete was in the Kenyan quartet that bagged gold medal in 4x800m relays at the 2014 World Relays in Bahamas alongside Job Koech, Sammy Kibet and Alfred Kipketer.

“I have been in the World Relay Championships since 2014 where I won a gold medal in 4x800m. In the last edition held in Japan though I was part of the team, I did not compete since I was injured. I am now looking forward to making the team for Poland.”

“This was my first 800m race this season and you could see the field was equally strong and winning today was not easy,” Rotich said.

At the same time, Africa 1500m champion Winnie Chebet outclassed national 400m champion Mary Moraa to win the corresponding women’s race.

Chebet clocked 2:03.72 as Moraa came home second in 2:04.32 as Mueni Karimi placed third in 2:08.16.

The 30 year old athlete based in Rongai Athletics Camp said she was using the race in her build up towards the Tokyo Olympics.

“I am not shifting to 800m, I am still in contention for the Olympics in 1500m but today I was working on my speed work. My focus now is the upcoming Diamond League meetings,” she said.

National 100m champion Mark Otieno also impressed in 200m when he won his heat in 20.86 with Mike Mokamba (20.96) and Tazama Kamanga (20.71) also emerging top in their respective heats.

Maximilla Imali ran the show in the women’s 200m winning the first heat in 24.54 as Monica Safania stormed to victory in the second heat in 25.22. Evangeline Makena clocked 25.25 to win the third heat.

Moraa emerged top in women’s 400m when she clocked 52.63 ahead of Gladys Musyoki (54.63) as Zablon Ekwam won the men’s race in 45.97

After Saturday’s meet, athletes will now shift focus to the trials which will culminate in the selection of Kenyan team for the global extravaganza slated for May 1-2 in Silesia, Poland.

Tags:

Ferguson Rotich

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories