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Kenyan Champions Call for Better Training Facilities Ahead of Major Competitions
Kenyan athletes Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet, both world record-holders, have raised concerns about the lack of adequate training facilities in the country. Their call comes after their remarkable performances at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, where they set new benchmarks in their respective events.
Kipyegon made history by clocking 3:48.68 in the women’s 1,500m, becoming the first woman to run under 3:49. Meanwhile, Chebet achieved a milestone by breaking the 14-minute barrier in the 5,000m with a time of 13:58.06. These achievements highlight the potential of Kenyan athletes when given the right support.
However, despite their success, Kipyegon and Chebet expressed deep concern over the state of training facilities in Kenya. The country’s primary stadiums, including the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani and Nyayo, are currently closed for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in August. The Ulinzi Sports Complex is also expected to be unavailable once the tournament begins.
Challenges in Training Infrastructure
Kipyegon shared her struggles in finding suitable training grounds, especially during her preparation to become the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes. She mentioned that she faced significant challenges in securing the best training venue for her attempt.
“I was disappointed that the Kipchoge Stadium was closed when I was trying to go and become the first woman to run a Mile in under four minutes,” she said. Despite this, she managed to train at the Moi School of Law in Eldoret and the University of Eldoret, which played a crucial role in her efforts.
Kipyegon admitted that she had to rely on alternative facilities to prepare for her record-breaking mission in Paris. Her attempt fell short, as she recorded a time of 4:06.42. However, she emphasized the importance of having proper training infrastructure to reach higher levels of performance.
Emotional Appeal for Better Facilities
The 31-year-old athlete became emotional while discussing the disparity in training facilities between Kenyan athletes and their international counterparts. She pointed out that many elite athletes around the world have access to top-notch facilities, which contributes to their success in global competitions.
“If you have good tracks and facilities to train, we can perform even better than we do,” Kipyegon said. She urged the Ministry of Sports to invest in building and maintaining proper training tracks, not only for current athletes but also for future generations.
Chebet echoed these sentiments, highlighting the difficulties faced by athletes due to inadequate training conditions. She noted that when it rains, training has to be postponed until the track dries. “We need good tracks; that is our only request,” she said. Chebet believes that with better facilities, Kenyan athletes could achieve even greater results.
Government Response
In response to the athletes’ concerns, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to upgrading sports infrastructure. He mentioned that investments are already underway in several stadiums, including Kamariny, Kipchoge Keino, Nyayo, and Homabay, to install standard tartan tracks.
“We will invest and ensure you have the best facilities for your training,” Mvurya stated. His comments reflect the government’s recognition of the need for improved training environments to support Kenya’s athletic talent.
Conclusion
As Kenya prepares for major international competitions, the voices of its top athletes serve as a reminder of the importance of investing in sports infrastructure. With better facilities, Kenyan athletes can continue to shine on the global stage and inspire the next generation of champions.
