Kenyan U20 athletics captains optimistic ahead of World Championships

The World Athletics U20 Championships are set to take place from August 27-30 in Lima, Peru. Kenya will be represented by 22 athletes competing in six categories: 800m, 1500m, 3000m steeplechase, 5000m, race walking, and 3000m, with events for both men and women.

Leading the Kenyan team are captains Edmund Serem and Sarah Moraa, who have expressed high hopes for the upcoming competition. Both captains are confident that the team is well-prepared and ready to excel, with no reported injuries affecting the squad.

“As the team’s captain, I have to lead by example. If everything goes well, I promise we’ll return with good results. It won’t be business as usual, which is why I’ve teamed up with Mathew Kosgei to ensure we perform better than in Colombia, where Ethiopia took the top two positions,” said Serem.

Serem, who secured second place in a previous competition in Cameroon, is particularly optimistic about his and Kosgei’s chances in Lima. He acknowledged that the excitement among first-time participants is high, but he is confident that their training will pay off.

“Many are excited, but this is a competition. Those who haven’t participated before may feel pressured, but I’m going to use my experience,” he added.

Sarah Moraa echoed Serem’s sentiments, expressing confidence in both her own abilities and the team’s readiness. She emphasized that the team’s rigorous training has prepared them well for the challenges ahead.

“The training since we joined camp has been excellent, and I believe everything will go well for us. As we head to Peru, we want to assure Kenyans that we won’t disappoint them. We are focused, and everything will be fine. I want to encourage those with dreams of being here to work hard—it will pay off,” said Moraa.

The Kenyan team heads to Lima with determination and the hopes of a nation behind them, ready to compete at the highest level.