By CHRIS MUSUMBATop Kenyan athletes, including former marathon record holder Paul Tergat, Olympic champion Samuel Wanjiru and double world champion Catherine Ndereba, have been named in a nine-member team to serve as athletes’ ambassadors for the Senior Africa Athletics Championship due at Nyayo National Stadium from July 28 to August 1.
David Okeyo, the event Local Organising Committee (LOC) chief executive officer, said it was crucial to have the championship identified with local athletes.
Kenya has dominated the track and field championship both at the continental and global arena. However, by bringing Africa’s premier championship to Nairobi, local athletes are under pressure to deliver.
Already, retired four-time Olympic sprint silver medallist Frankie Fredericks, who is the organisation delegate for the championship, has called upon Africa’s top runners to embrace it.
Speaking while on an inspection tour in Nairobi last month, the Namibian noted it was illogical for them to run abroad but shun home races.
“I do not understand why our runners skip our championships for the money. They need to be proud of coming to our events. But I agree there are one or two [European Grand Prix] events that clash with Africa Championships,” he said.
Bungei humbled
Other local athletes in the contingent are Wilfred Bungei, Pamela Jelimo, Janet Jepkosgei, Grace Momanyi, Ezekiel Kemboi and David Rudisha.
Bungei, the Olympic 800m champion who returned from Moscow yesterday, said he was humbled as Kenya has many talented runners.
“It is important to win at home. But for the event to get necessary promotion and sensitisation, we need to bring on board local athletes. Kenya runners must be part of the organisation,” said Bungei.
He however confirmed that he will not be putting on the national jersey come August, having announced his retirement two years ago.
“I did enough for this country. Now it is time for the upcoming talent to do something,” he said.
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