National sprints coach Stephen Mwaniki believes a return to cross-country events is crucial if Kenya is to reclaim its dominance in middle and long-distance races.
Mwaniki particularly highlighted the Kenyan male athletes in the 5,000m, 3,000m steeplechase and 10,000m whose performance at the Paris Olympics was dismal.
“Our middle and long-distance athletes need to embrace cross country as a foundation. It’s where they build the endurance necessary for gruelling track events,” Mwaniki emphasised.
He pointed to stars like Beatrice Chebet, Faith Kipyegon and Hellen Obiri, all of whom sharpened their skills through cross country before conquering the track.
“Our male athletes have underperformed in the 5,000m, steeplechase, and 10,000m at the Olympics. To reclaim our glory, they must turn to cross country,” Mwaniki urged.
“Athletes like Chebet, Obiri and Kipyegon build their careers through cross-country events. Their performance on the track is a clear indication of the importance of cross country,” he added.
Kipyegon boasts five gold medals from cross country, Poland 2010, Spain 2011, Poland 2013 (senior race and senior team) and Kampala 2017.
Chebet is a two-time World cross-country champion from Bathurst, Australia in 2023 and Belgrade, Serbia, this year.
Two-time Olympic silver medallist Obiri holds a title from the 2019 World Cross Country championships in Aarhus, Denmark.
“Rebuilding our cross-country base is essential if we want to dominate the global stage again,” Mwaniki added.
Reflecting on Team Kenya’s performance at the Paris Olympics, Mwaniki highlighted the struggle in European-hosted games.
“Kenya often struggles in Europe as opposed to Asia. This is despite our athletes setting numerous records in Europe. It’s an issue that needs serious investigation,” he noted.
Historically, Kenya has found it difficult to clinch Olympic titles in Europe, with only a handful of gold medals from Munich 1972 (two gold medals), Barcelona 1992 (two gold medals), Greece 2004 (one gold medal) and London 2012 (two gold medals).
In contrast, Kenya has thrived in Olympics held in other continents, with stellar performances in Rio 2016 (four gold medals), Beijing 2008 (six gold medals), Seoul 1988 (five gold medals) and Tokyo 2020 (four gold medals).
Looking ahead, Mwaniki called for early preparations for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, acknowledging Kenya’s past struggles on American soil.
“Four years isn’t long. We need to start laying the groundwork now to ensure better results in the US where just like Europe, we struggle to perform,” he urged
The last Olympics held in the US, Los Angeles 1984, Kenya bagged only one gold medal courtesy of Julius Korir in the 3,000m steeplechase.
Mwaniki also stressed the importance of teamwork on the global stage.
“We need athletes willing to sacrifice for the good of the nation. Teamwork is essential for success,” he remarked.
For sprinters, Mwaniki recommended championships in Europe for the athletes to gain experience.
“Our sprinters need to be given the exposure in countries like Europe so they may be able to succeed,” he stated.