Wiseman Were Reveals 5 Lessons From Paris Olympics That Will Make Him do Well in Tokyo

Wiseman Were has revealed the eye-opening lessons he learnt from his first Olympics in Paris in 2024 that have made him a better athlete.

Kenya’s 400mH star Wiseman Were has revealed the lessons he learnt at the Paris 2024 Olympics that will put him in a good position to do well in future championships, including the upcoming Tokyo World Championships in Japan this September.

Were had 2024 to remember. The 27-year-old achieved a personal best of 48.52 seconds in the 400 metres hurdles on June 23, 2023, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi . 

He also recorded a season-best time of 48.57 seconds at the Kip Keino Classic on April 20, 2024, also held at Nyayo National Stadium . Representing Kenya, Were managed to reach the semi-finals of the 400mH event at the Paris Olympic games.

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Speaking to Sports Eye Sports in a recent interview, Were reflected on what it meant for him to represent the country in Paris, revealing the lessons he learnt in the process.

Wiseman Were: The Olympics Was a Different Ball Game

“It meant a lot to me—not just personally, but for the kids and Kenyans who were watching,” he said. “They were eager to see how I’d perform at the Olympics, and I believe they were proud when I made it to the semifinals.”

“For those who understand, it’s a journey. You don’t just show up at your first Olympics and go straight to the final—it’s a process. And I’m hopeful. Honestly, I’m very hopeful. We’re on the right path; it’s just a matter of time.”

Reflecting on his experience,in Paris, Were, who has had to train under tough conditions on his way to achieving the milestones he has managed to tick, revealed six key lessons he learnt that will put him in a good position to dominate in future events. 

Were: We Still Need to Improve Alot

“I’ve learned so much—especially during the build-up. From the pre-camp, to the stadium, to the warm-up zone, there’s a lot we still need to improve. 

“It's not just about showing up and competing. It's about how you prepare mentally and physically for race day.”

“You have to ask yourself: how do you visualize the race? How do you meditate? What role does your coach play in your mental preparation?

"How do fans and supporters help build your confidence leading into the week? Because it's not just about being fit. Mental readiness is equally important. You can be physically ready, but one small distraction can throw you off completely. At the Olympic level, your mindset has to be right.”

Were: How Continental Tours and Diamond League Will Help 

Were, who trains at Kenyatta University under modest conditions, will next compete at the Kip Keino Classic on May 31, this time at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. It’s the same meet where he secured his Olympic qualification, and one he considers essential to his growth.

“It plays a huge role. For many of us, that’s where we sharpen our race strategies,” Were noted.

“Not everyone gets to compete in the Diamond League or Continental Tour, but those who do gain a serious edge ahead of big events like the World Championships or Olympics.

"You face the same athletes you’ll meet at the Olympics, so it’s a chance to study them—to understand how they run. Then, when you meet them again on the big stage, you already know how to approach the race, maybe even beat them with better execution than before.”

No longer satisfied with simply making the semis, Were has his eyes firmly set on reaching the final—and challenging for a medal—at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. With valuable experience, sharpened strategies, and a clear understanding of what it takes to thrive at the top, the Kenyan hurdler believes his time is near.

“We’re on the right path. It’s just a matter of time.”