National athletics coach Julius Kirwa believes the only solution to reassert dominance in the 3,000m steeplechase is to organise specialized training camps.
Speaking on Tuesday, Kirwa said the country can still revive the old good days in the water and barriers race if the plan is put in place by Athletics Kenya.
“ The training camps will be beneficial to the athletes because we will work on several aspects of the event. It will also give us time and a longer training period to be with them and sharpen them,” added Kirwa
The country has dominated the event for a long time with the likes of Moses Kiptanui, Ezekiel Kemboi, Brimin Kipruto, Richard Matelong, and Conselus Kipruto ruling the roost in the past three decades.
He said potential athletes should be put in the camp to train for between three to six months as they compete in various races.
“ Its something which can be done looking for both the short team and long term if that is done I am confident we can reclaim our throne as the top country in the steeplechase
For the first time in 50 years, Kenya missed out on gold in the 3,000m steeplechase at the 2020 Olympics Games in Tokyo in 2021. Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkali won gold at the event and repeated his feat last year at the World Championships in Oregon, USA to deny Kenyans another opportunity.
For the long term, Kirwa said they are looking to nurture juniors in the event including Felix Korir and Edwin Kisalak who won silver and bronze at the World Junior Under 20 Championships in Cali, Colombia.
“We have a good crop of athletes who are coming through the ranks and we are keen to nurture and encourage them. We also want to give them the necessary exposure and I believe we will soon reclaim our position in the event,” he noted.
Kirwa said the camps will be a big boost, especially for next year's Paris Olympic Games.
“Right now, it is late to have the camps with the World Championships very close. However, for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, we have adequate time to have the camps running and pick a strong team. Assistance from the National Olympic Committee of Kenya in this area will be key," he revealed.
On Kenya's chances in Budapest, Kirwa was optimistic they will do better than last year in Oregon. “Our chances for gold medals look good. I can't say how many golds will win but the team is hard at work and we are relishing the challenge of competing with other nations," he added.
