Three opponents to threaten Kenya's 4x100m men's relay team at World Athletics Relays

Three opponents to threaten Kenya's 4x100m men's relay team at World Athletics Relays

Abigael Wafula 13:24 - 02.05.2024

The Kenya men's 4x100m team will not have an easy run at the World Athletics Relays with three key opponents who will be looking to torment them.

The Team Kenya 4x100m men’s relay team faces a stern test from opponents from three countries and they have their work cut out as they head to the World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas on Saturday and Sunday (May 3 and 4).

The team is headlined by Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala and multiple national champion Mark Otieno and their main goal will be to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris, France. However, they face a stern test ahead of the descending on the starting line but the Kenyan charge is also ready to rumble.

One of the greatest opponents ready to stun Team Kenya is Team Italy. During the 2021 World Athletics Relays in Silesia, Italy pulled off a surprising triumph and at the time, track and field fans thought they just benefitted from a depleted field, given that the pandemic meant that relay powerhouses USA and Jamaica did not send a team.

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However, at the Olympic Games later that year, with all countries fielding their best squads, Italy still prevailed and proved that their win at the World Relays was well deserved.

This year’s squad includes Lorenzo Patta, Olympic 100m champion Marcell Jacobs, Eseosa Desalu, and Filippo Tortu.

The second squad looking to challenge Team Kenya will be the US squad that heads to Nassau with the motivation to perform well. Following their win at the World Championships in Budapest last year, they are certainly looking to extend their winning streak.

World 100m and 200m champion Noah Lyles will be in action this weekend and will be joined by Olympic 200m silver medallist Kenny Bednarek, world 200m leader Courtney Lindsey and NCAA medallist Pjai Austin.

Despite earning only one medal (the 2023 World bronze medal) from the past three years, Jamaicans cannot be downplayed since they have the speed and depth to challenge for major titles. Their squad for Nassau includes world indoor bronze medallist Ackeem Blake, world finalist Ryiem Forde and World University Games champion Kadrian Goldson.

Team Kenya will not have an easy outing but with the training they have had, they might just pull off a surprise at the event.

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