Haron Onchong’a has backed six Riooga Secondary School youth athletics training camp athletes to make Team Kenya for the World Under 20 Championships in Lima, Peru from August 27 to 31.
Onchong’a, the camp coordinator, tipped the likes of East Africa U18 and U20 champions Daniel Wasike (100m/200m) and James Gechuki (800m) to make the cut.
Wasike bagged gold in the U18 200m and bronze in the 400m during the East Africa region U18/U20 championships held in Zanzibar while Wasike clinched the 800m gold in the U20 category.
Others are Sarah Kwamboka (100m/200m), Faith Onserio (200m/400m), Duke Victor (long jump/triple jump) and Sarah Orobi (400m/800m).
Onchong’a was impressed by their performance during the Nyanza South track and field championships, where Riooga dominated.
“The boys and girls have improved tremendously since they joined our camp in December. I’m excited and looking forward to the national U20 trials,” said Onchong’a, the school principal.
Riooga has 17 athletes in the Nyanza team of 30 selected for the national championships/trials for the African Championships at Nyayo Stadium on May 16-18.
“We dominated the regional championships at Kisii University last weekend. Competing at the national championships will toughen them ahead of the national U20 trials,” said Onchong’a.
Riooga is one of 42 camps established by Athletics Kenya and the Ministry of Sports under the Talanta Hela Initiative.
Onchong'a said former middle and long-distance runner Thomas Osano, Andrew Mayaka, Moses Saiti, De Clerk Omari and Anthony Mogere have whipped the athletes into shape.
Wasike won the 100m and 200m races during the regional championships.
The Form Four student clocked 22.19, beating compatriot Henry Moenga to second in 22.75.
He also won the 100m in 10.44 ahead of Moenga (10.85) and Raymond Keith (11.44).
“It was a good competition and good preparation ahead of the U20 trials. I will use the nationals to prepare for the trials,” said Wasike.
Mary Kerubo, a Form One student at Riooga upset the form book to win the race in 12.57. Sara Kwamboka (12.89) and Brenda Omosa (13.13) completed the podium places.
Another Riooga runner, Faith Onserio clocked 26.15 to win the 200m race. Kiendege’s Sarah Kwamboka was second in 26.42 and Sharon Moraa third in 27.19.
East Africa 800m under 20 champion Gechuki, also from Riooga, won his speciality in 1:51.08. Simon Ochwang’ (1:53.00) and Levis Korir (2.03.04) completed the podium.
“I’m happy with my performance, especially after beating senior athletes. I will use the national championships to prepare for the national U20 trials. My target is to represent the country at the World Under 20 Championships in Peru,” said Gechuki.
