Youngsters at Lemotit Camp fired-up for World Under-20

Athletes at Lemotit Camp in Londiani, Kericho County are staying focused for the World Under-20 Championships despite Covid-19 disruptions.

The event which was scheduled for Nairobi in July 7-12 was postponed owing to the spread of coronavirus and is likely to be held in 2021.

Lemotit Camp is one of the 19 camps selected by Athletics Kenya (AK) to prepare prospective athletes for the global showpiece in the programme .

According to head coach Paul Kemei, more than 26 athletes from the camp were ready to fight for slots in the national team at the trials that were slated for this month.

The camp is home to World Under-20 5000m champion Beatrice Chebet who has now scaled the heights to the senior category.

“Our athletes had prepared well since the start of the year when they participated in cross-country build up and we were now eyeing the World Under-20. I have 26 athletes who are preparing for the event and we are not worried since they are still within the age bracket even if the Championships is held next year,” said Kemei.

Kemei praised the youngsters led by Iscah Chelangat, a 3,000m athlete who he says were ready to bring medals and follow in the footsteps of the senior athletes led by Sandrafelis Chebet, Emily Chebet, Caren Chebet and Mercy Chepkorir.

At the same time, Kemei said, despite the many challenges they are  facing in terms of training, his athletes are still determined to keep going.

“For sure, there are a lot of changes in our training programme because we used to do a lot of speedwork before but now since there is no competition, we have decided to do a lot of road and hill work. We only remain with very few athletes in the camp due to the restrictions on social distancing,” said Kemei.