Kimaiyo's unrelenting spirit pays off with coveted African Championships ticket

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ATHLETICS Kimaiyo's unrelenting spirit pays off with coveted African Championships ticket

Abigael Wafula 13:10 - 09.04.2023

Kimaiyo missed out on a ticket to Cali, Colombia World Under-20 championships.

After years of toiling and moiling to make into the national team, Vincent Kimaiyo was all smiles as he punched his way to get a direct ticket to the Africa under 18/20 championships slated for April 29 to May 3 in Lusaka, Zambia.

During the Athletics Kenya trials held at the Nyayo National Stadium on Friday and Saturday (April 7 and 8), Kimaiyo obliterated a strong field to win the under-20 5000m men’s race in 13:43:05.

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The Iten-based athlete had tried his luck at the AK trials for the 2022 World Under-20 championships but could not make the cut.

“I feel so happy. Last year, I tried making Team Kenya but I could not make the cut. I thank God because this is my last year as a junior and I want to make a mark in this category before transitioning to the senior,” Kimaiyo said.

Going to Zambia, Kimaiyo revealed that he is ready to dine with his opponents on the big stage and Kenyans should expect a gold medal from him.

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“I will bring gold back home. I don’t expect tough opposition from other countries and I know it will be easier than competing on home soil. Kenya has tough athletes and they have challenged me so hard,” he said.

Kimaiyo will be joined by compatriots Shadrack Rono and Michael Rotich and together, they will be keen to make the country proud. The athletes are expected to go into a residential training camp on Tuesday, April 11 ahead of the continental event.