The inseparable adept dual of Gaudencia Makokha and Brackcides Agala might be facing tough challengers to their top spot from the Youths training at the Elite Youth Camp, with Youth Africa Games and Youth Commonwealth Games set ahead to test their skills.
The Salome Wanjala-coached side, has polished most of the basics in camp at Merishaw school and is excited and ready for the Games.
“We have a very tough youth team and it motivates me as the Coach. This is a team that will challenge the seniors this year with so many Games ahead, we just need to support them and give them proper training.” Salome spoke.
The National team is currently looking forward to a busy season with Africa Beach Games in Tunisia and World Beach Games in Bali just fresh from Birmingham which qualified for the games after being awarded a wild card.
“The camp has helped me gain confidence and create friendships. It’s not only building my confidence at the Game but also socially.” Said Sharon Jepkogey
The 19-year-old has been marked as one the best in the country for her attacking incisiveness and creativity.
The second week of the Camp begins on a high after the camp hosted guests for Team Building over the weekend to help athletes develop confidence, improve morale and form connections.
The team building was run by NOC-K Institute Commission, the education arm at NOC-K mandated to promote cultural and educational development of the Olympic Movement in Kenya.
100M Commonwealth Champion and Africa fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala and 5000m double Olympic silver medalist Hellen Obiri also joined in the team building.
“Youths are the future of tomorrow, the next 5000m World Champion is here. My dream is to get a Gold medal in the Olympics, I have not given up, I’m still pursuing it and now at a bigger stage in Marathon. I can only imagine how much more a Youth athlete can do. “Said Obiri who emphasized on Clean sports
Omanyala dared the athletes to dream and not to give up.
“Everyone discouraged me from running short races. In fact, most of my friends wanted me to stay in Rugby. But this is a dream I had, and I’m still dreaming of an Olympic Gold medal just like you all are.”
The Elite Youth Camp enters its final week before athletes depart to prepare for re-opening of schools.
