World Under-18 400m silver medalist Mary Moraa is keen on defending at the East Africa Secondary Schools Championships starting tomorrow in Gulu, Uganda.
Moraa also known as ‘Kisii Express’ said she is targeting gold medals in 400m and 4x100m relay.
“I am nor sure about the competition I’m going to get in Uganda but I have been training since we left Nairobi and I hope to retain my title. The experience I got during the World Championships will come in handy,” said the form three student at Mogonga Secondary School in Kisii County.
However, most athletes who represented Kenya at the World Under-18 Championships in Nairobi will not be in Uganda because they did not qualify during the nationals in Mombasa. Most of the athletes were advised to keep off national championships in a bid to avoid burnout ahead of the World youth show.
Gloria Mulei of Kwathanze Mixed in Machakos who was at the worlds but did not win a medal will represent Kenya in long and triple jump while national shot put champion Peninah Akoth will also be seeking the regional title. Akoth was also at the world show.
Kenya has named a squad of 40 for the championships, where they will compete under Jason Melly. Kenya will be seeking to retain the overall title in Uganda.
Squad—Boys: Dolphine Omare, Lucy Mokire (5,000m), Ednah Jerotich (3,00m), Monicah Chirchir (1,500m), Esther Wambui (800m, 4x400m relay), Esther Oyaro (1,500m 4x400m relay), Sharon Jebet (400m, 4x400m), Nelly Chepchirchir (800m, 4x400m relay), Simiyu Maverln (200m, 4x100m relay), Maureem Khasaka (100m, 200m), Beatrice Odera (100m, 4x100m relay), Emmaculate Akoth (4x400m, long jump), Eucabeth Chepkemoi (high jump), Margaret Kingi (high jump), Dorothy Chepngétich (shot put, javelin) and Jackline Kimathi (discuss).
Girls: Kevin Koboret, Jackson Muema (10,00m), Robert Kiprop, Dominic Kiptum (5,000m), Michael Kibet, Maxon Kipngétich (1,500m), Johana Kiprop, Nobert Korombos (800m, 4x400m relay), Mutua Muendo (400m, 4x400m relay), Emmanuel Kiprop (200m, 4x100m relay), Isaac Rakwa, Macson Sirere (200m, 4x100m relay), Meshack Babu, Abel Kimtai (100m, 4x100m relay), Kavwele Kilivi (long jump, triple jump), Josephat Leyino (high jump), Kipsang Alex (long jump, triple jump), Geoffrey Koskei (shot put, discuss), Johana Chepkwony (shot put, discuss), Wilson Letunyei (javelin).