Kenya upbeat as Africa Athletics Championship begin in Cameroon

Kenya’s contingent to the 23rd edition of Africa Senior Athletics Championships remains upbeat ahead of the biannual event that starts today  in Douala, Cameroon.

The Kenyan team consisting 60 athletes,26 women and 34 men, is led by Athletics Kenya Police chairman Stephen Etyang and  is aiming to consolidate their Africa dominance with national coach Julius Kirwa saying the event presents some of the Kenyan athletes a chance to seal Olympic slots.

Athletes who missed to qualify for the Paris Olympics during last weekend’s national trials have a chance to do so at the Africa Championship.

“The weather is hot, but it’s great opportunity for Sarah Moraa, Julius Yego, our 4x400m mixed relays to utilized the championships to get into the Paris Games team,” said Kirwa

The list of those chasing the Olympic tickets is headlined by four time African Champion Julius Yego as well as 100m runner Mark Otieno.

800m rising star Sarah Moraa and the  4x400m mixed relay team are also hopeful of booking Olympic tickets in Douala.

Meanwhile Kenya will begin its medal hunt at the event when Mercy Chepkemoi,Teresia Gateri and Rebecca Mwangi compete in the women’s 5,000m race final scheduled this evening.

Kenya is out to retain the overall title it won at the previous edition of the championship held in 2022 in Mauritius.

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