Saruni out to make WU18 amends in Finland

Team Kenya captain for the World Under 18 Championships David Saruni says he is targeting a podium finish during the World U-20 Championships in Tampere, Finland.

The 18 year old 400m hurdler suffered the heartache of disqualification during the World Under-18 Championships held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in July 12-16 but says he has learnt his lesson.

Saruni was disqualified under athletics rule 3 (a) for stepping out of his lane during the boys 400m heats in front of the home crowd that had cheered him at the top of their voices as his dream of medalling at the global showpiece shattered.

Speaking during the Kisii track and field second weekend meeting, Saruni told Citizen Digital that he has his eyes set on a podium place when he leads Team Kenya for the six day championship slated for July 19- 24.

Despite the forgettable glitch in Nairobi, American coach Eric Jenkins who had been scouting him offered him a scholariship at Western Kentucky University in USA.

Saruni grabbed the opportunity with the hope Jenkins will help him perfect his techniques and clearing all the hurdles.

“I expect to travel by January 17 next year and prepare during the summer season. I will possibly be in the country June or July just before the World U20 Championships trials.

“Now that I have gotten the opportunity to get out of the country, I hope to polish on my skills because the US has good hurdling techniques and coaches. I hope that I will bring good results from Finland,” an optimistic Saruni said.

The one lap specialist however revealed he will not be available for the 2018 Commonwealth Games slated for April 4-15 in Gold Coast , Australia.

Saruni has been training at a school holiday camp situated at Mugunga Secondary School, Kisii County as he awaits his National Secondary School results .

He finished third in 54.01 at the second weekend meeting behind Stephen Rotich ( 53.01) and Eric Kiptoo(53.08).