Wiseman Were qualifies for World Championships after scintillating display at National Championships

© Erick Barasa

ATHLETICS Wiseman Were qualifies for World Championships after scintillating display at National Championships

Abigael Wafula 13:10 - 23.06.2023

The qualifying time for the men's 400mH at the World Championships stands at 48.70.

Sprinter Wiseman Were has qualified for the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary in August after a hard-fought win in the ongoing National Championships at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Were started out from the blocks in great fashion and he led from gun to tape in the 400m Hurdle race. He clocked 48.52 to cut the tape in a class of his own. The qualifying time for the men's 400mH at the World Championships stands at 48.70. 

Earlier in the day, he had competed in the 110m Hurdle race and had posted a slower time. He revealed that his sole motivation to run well was due to the slow time he had posted in his earlier race.

In a post-race interview after the 110mH race, he said: "The weather wasn't good today...so I didn't have a good start off the blocks and that's what slowed me down. I want to do well in the upcoming 400mH."

He then came back for the 400mH charged up and motivated and he took top honours in the race.

"Before, I had run the 110mH and I didn't post a good time. I wanted to run the 400mH and post a good time.

"I'm feeling thankful because I believe this will open more doors for me," he said.

He added that the time he posted was unexpected and that makes him believe there is a bright future for sprints in Kenya.