Reigning Africa Under-20 3,000m steeplechase champion Edmond Serem, upstart Jackline Nanjala and Rahab Wanjiru Ndirangu have promised to win medals for the country from the Africa Games this week in Accra, Ghana.
Despite being a junior, Edmond will link up with his brother, Amos Serem, in the water and barriers race. Amos is a former World Under-20 3,000m steeplechase champion.
“The fact that I finished third in the senior race at the national trials means I can go one better despite my age. It also means that I am up to the challenge and can rub shoulders with the senior runners,” said Edmond.
He harbours ambitions to compete in the Diamond League Series that starts in May, part of his journey to the Paris Olympic Games.
“My expectations remain high. I want to compete at the Diamond League this season and, God willing, make it to the Olympics. I am well prepared and the calibre of training I am undergoing is intense,” said the Global Sports Communication athlete.
Competing alongside his brother is a blessing since he expects him to provide guidance and motivation.
“He has always guided me and I hope to rely on his leadership at the African Games. I am lucky to train and compete with him,” said the young Serem who has a personal best of 8:29.74 set during the Africa Games trials at the Nyayo Stadium.
He is also an alumnus of St Patrick’s Iten.
Nanjala is counting on her rigorous training as she makes her Team Kenya debut.
“I want to win a medal. (Mary) Moraa will be my main challenger but I still have a chance to make it to the top,” said Nanjala, a former student of Mupere High School in Trans Nzoia County.
She finished eighth in the 400m during last year's Kip Keino Classic.
Wanjiru, another debutant, promised to deliver a 400m hurdles medal.
"Hurdling is easy for me. I have been competing for the last three years," said the 23-year-old.
Wanjiru competed in the 400m hurdles while in school, finishing fourth in the 2018 and 2019 national championships. She wants to improve on her time in Ghana.
"I have 59.32 seconds but want to lower it to at least 58," she said.
