Kenyan athletes gear up for Tokyo glory

Team Kenya has stepped up their final preparation for the 2025 World Athletic’s Championship to be held in Tokyo at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, with athletes and coach expressing confidence and determination ahead of the global showpiece.

The camp, which brings together short and middle-distance runners, has been designed to sharpen endurance, speed and tactical awareness.

Under the keen eye of coach Stephen Mwaniki, a lot of work has been put in to ensure the athletes are prepared to handle the stiff competition at the games so that they can bring home gold.

“We are now ready for the world championships, we have done all that is required for a coach to be able to bring up these Kenyan ambassadors to the level that is expected”.

Middle distance runner Lillian Odira , who’s set to compete in the women’s 800m, said the Ulinzi camp has been crucial to fine tuning both body and mind ahead of the games.

Coming off the back of the diamond league in Poland where she broke her personal best record, she’s looking to display a strong performance in her debut world championship.

“We’ve been working on my speed because this is my first world championship… we’ve been working on speed because the endurance is perfect”.

He highlighted the significant role the coaches have played in boosting overall team morale as they gear up to compete.

“The coaches have been doing their best to motivate us to change the mistakes we have been doing in our competitions in our country, so I can say that we have worked on our mistakes”

Among those attracting attention in the camp is Mercy Oketch, Kenya’s 400m national record holder, who will be the only African women in the event at the games.

Her qualification has already etched her name into history, but she remains focused on the job at hand and making an impact in Tokyo.

“I have to appreciate my coach, I've been working hard for it. Up to now I'm very lucky to go and represent Kenya in the world championships in Tokyo”.

The choice of Ulinzi as the training camp base has added an extra layer of discipline. The military environment, further boosting their preparation ahead of the games.

Athletes and coaches alike believe that this can be the difference maker when they step onto the tracks in Tokyo.

As the countdown continues, the country continues to watch on with hope as they prepare to support the athletes on their quest for gold.