Waithaka eyes Tokyo Olympics success

Stanley Waithaka is confident his stay in Japan will play a major role in his quest to shine at the Olympic Games set for this summer.

The delayed Games are set to kick off on July 23- August 8 in the Japanese capital, Tokyo.

Waithaka, the World Under-20 5000m silver medallist said training in Japan, a country he has called a second home for the past three years, is a major boost having already adjusted to life in Tokyo.

“Right now I can say I am at home in Japan. I have already adapted to the climate there and with the Olympics taking place in the summer I will be more than comfortable to compete. We have also developed a fan base in Tokyo and I am confident I will perform well if I will make the cut in the team,” Waithaka said.

The 20-year-old who clocked 13:43.7 in 5,000m at the opening leg of Athletics Kenya Track and Field competition said he is eyeing a slot in Kenya’s team for the Olympics in 10,000m. He said he is also eyeing new personal bests in the distance.

“Every year I have lowered my personal best and this year my aim is to run 12:53 in 5k and 26:00 in 10k. I am also planning to compete in 10k at the trials for the Olympics,” he said.

With barely three weeks remaining before he jets back to the Asian nation, Waithaka hopes to compete in the second weekend meeting set for March 12-13 as he seeks to regain his form after suffering an injury setback.

“I want to compete in the next meeting before I return to Japan. I am slowly returning to my top form and I think the competition provides an ideal opportunity for me to work on my speed,” said the Nyahururu-based athlete.