Kenya eyeing strong start in Poland

Kenya could bag its first medal in the shuttle hurdles relay when the World Relays Championships kicks off on Saturday in Silesia, Poland.

Kenya will be fielding teams in seven events that includes; 4x200m men and women, 4x400m men and women, 2x2x400m, 4x400m mixed relay and shuttle relay.

Kenya will only need to avoid disqualification as they are already assured of a medal in the shuttle relay since they only face hosts Poland and Germany in the finals set for Saturday, 10.58 pm (local time).

The team’s manager Kennedy Tanui has called for a strong start from his athletes whom he warned against complacency despite being assured of a medal in the race.

“We are already in the medal bracket but we are not going to relax since it is upon us now to fight for any of the three medals. The team is fired up and we have high hopes of winning many more medals than in the previous championships,” said Tanui.

Similarly, Kenya will hunt for a medal in the finals of the 2x2x400m which is scheduled for Saturday, 10.06pm.

The men’s and women’s teams for 4x400m and mixed 4x400m are also in action on Saturday ahead of the finals slated for Sunday.

Tanui also disclosed that the 4x400m teams will be seeking to secure qualifications for the Olympic Games.

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe assured the championships is safe amidst Covid-19 challenges.

“This championship is important for us since it comes at a critical moment in the athletics season. We have done everything possible to make it as safe as possible,” said Coe.