Africa-Press – Kenya. The 2021 World Under-20 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi believes teamwork will be key if Team Kenya is to win the mixed relay title at next year’s World Cross-country Championships in Bathurst, Australia.
Wanyonyi leads the men’s 2km mixed relay quartet that also has Japan-based Daniel Munguti, Mathew Kipsang and Africa 1500m champion Abel Kipsang.
The women’s side has Brenda Chebet, Miriam Cherop and world 3000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech.
Wanyonyi reckoned that training together will enable the team to identify each other’s weakness and strengths and capitalise on helping each other.
“Everyone wants to win the gold medal as well as the team title. Training together will enhance our chances of winning. It will also help us identify those who are yet to hit peak and what we can do to help them,” said Wanyonyi.
“Competition will be tough and if we rest on our laurels, we will be disappointed.”
However, Wanyonyi said time is on their side as they plan to head for camp in January in preparation for the February 18 global championships.
Personally, Wanyonyi, the Kip Keino Classic 800m champion, said he will still be in training even as the rest of the athletics fraternity breaks for the Christmas and New Year festivities.
“We have enough time to train and I hope everyone will use that to their advantage. Personally, I will continue training and working on my speed, endurance and mileage. After the cross country, I have the World Championships to plan for and I want to do well in both,” he said.
He called on his Team Kenya compatriots to work hard and avoid complacency to achieve their dream of medalling at Bathurst.
“I am not under any pressure but it is my teammates I’m worried about. We all have to work hard and be focused,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wanyonyi said he is excited after making Team Kenya outside of his 800m specialty after winning the senior men’s 2km race during Saturday’s national trials at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru.
“I didn’t expect to qualify but I am happy to start my season early. This will be my first time at the World Cross Country Championships and I expect to compete in more of these competitions,” he said.
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