Africa-Press – Kenya. Coach Gideon Chirchir is confident Kenya Prisons will shine at the Athletics Kenya national championships set for Tuesday and Wednesday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
The squad boasts of impressive talent, including two-time national 100m champion Esther Mbagari, race walk champion Samuel Gathimba, Lilian Kasait in the women’s 1,500m, Visiline Jepkesho in the women’s 5,000m, Charles Muneria in the men’s 10,000m and Caren Chebet in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase.
At the recent Prisons Championships, Mbagari secured her title in 11.73 seconds, while Muneria claimed the men’s 10,000m crown in 28:50.14.
Gathimba retained his race walk title with a 20:00.7 finish and Kasait earned her spot at nationals by clocking 4:27.69 in the 1,500m.
Chirchir exuded optimism of a strong showing at the national meet, eyeing gold medals in all events.
“The team we selected is strong. I am confident the athletes are going to finish top in all their various events,” coach Chirchir said.
The national championships will double as trials for the African Senior Championships, slated for June 21-26 in Douala, Cameroon.
Chirchir’s ultimate goal is to surpass last year’s performance, where Prisons finished third overall.
“We want to do better than last year. We aim to clinch the overall crown,” he said.
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) won overall crown with 19 gold, 18 silver and 14 bronze followed by Kenya Police with 15 gold, eight silver and nine bronze medals. Prisons bagged eight gold, seven silver and three bronze medals for third.
The team has undergone rigorous training at the Prison Staff Training College in Ruiru, addressing weaknesses identified during the Prisons Championships.
“We’ve worked on the weaknesses and aim to have a top team that can earn tickets to the African Championships,” Chirchir noted.
However, Chirchir remains cautious, warning his team against overconfidence.
“There are many strong athletes, especially in the 10,000m, 5,000m and 1,500m. We must not be complacent,” he stressed.
Catherine Ndereba, head of the Prisons’ sports department, echoed Chirchir’s sentiments, saying they are primed for success.
“I believe we will have a successful national championships. We have a strong team and aim to win more gold medals to improve our overall position,” she said.
The athletes are confident to with Gathimba, saying: “From my performance at the Prisons Championships, I expect nothing but top spot and secure a ticket to Cameroon.”
Visiline Jepkesho added: “ I want to represent Kenya in Cameroon. Having an African Championships crown under my belt will boost motivation.”
Prisons Team:
100m men
Hesborn Ochieng
Boniface Chitiya
100m women
Esther Mbagari
Doreen Waka
Brenda Masista
200m men
Dan Kiviasi
Pius Muia
Martin Chuma
400m women
Mercy Chebet
Sylvia Chesebe
400m men
Daniel Sanayek
Nathaniel Kipngetich
Kelvin Kiprotich
400m hurdles Women
Gladys Ngure
400m hurdles men
Geoffrey Mutai
Sammy Rugut
800m women
Lilian Odira
Naomi Korir
800m men
Kidali Koitatoi
Alex Ngeno
1,500m men
Boaz Kiplangat
Vincent Keter
1,500m women
Lilian Kasait
Tecla Cheseret
5,000m women
Loice Chemining
5,000m men
Alex Nzioka
Gideon Kiplimo
10,000m men
Charles Muneria
Peter Emase
Kisaila Lasoi
10,000m women
Visiline Jepkesho
10km walk men
Samuel Gathimba
10km walk women
Violet Chepkemoi
3,000m steeplechase women
Joyce Biwott
Caren Chebet
Fancy Cherono
3,000m steeplechase men
Peter Lagat
Justus Kipkorir
Shotput men
Peter Mwangi
Shotput woman
Jackline Nyongesa
Triple jump women
Regina Mulatya
Triple jump men
Erick Maina
Long jump women
Regina Mulatya
Long jump men
Edwin Too
Dominc Kibitok
Terra Lagat
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