Kitum Keen to Emulate Rudisha At World Youth Event

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Muigai Kiguru

30 June 2011

Timothy Kitum believes he has what it takes to emulate his hero and world 800m record holder David Rudisha when he takes onto the track at the World Youth Championships next week.

Kitum, who trains at Rudisha’s training base in Iten, is one of the two athletes who will represent the country in the 800m race at the world youth event in Lille, France between July 6 and 10. “I will go for nothing more than the gold medal,” said Kitum. “I believe my biggest competitor is my colleague Leonard Kosencha, whom I consider stronger than me.”

He exuded confidence that with the training they have undergone under coach Robert Ngisirei, the team will be able to reap at least seven gold medals to help the country defend the overall title they won two years ago in Bressanone in Italy.

Kitum ran an impressive 1:45.8 during the Trangular Championships, a mark Rudisha never achieved during his development days, and will be going to France to surpass his own personal best. “I want to be in the Kenya team to the 2012 London Olympics and I hopes Lille youth show will help me gauge myself against Rudisha at the national championships later in the year,” said Kitum.

He has also been named in the Kenya team to the Commonwealth Youth Games to be held at the Isle of Man, United Kingdom between September 7 and 10. The Kenyan contingent of 22 athletes and eight officials leave for France this Saturday.

Kenya Team: BOYS: William Malel, Patrick Mutunga (3000m), Conseslus Kipruto, Gilbert Kitui (2,000m SC), Edwin Katoi, Kiprotich Mutai (1500m), Timothy Kitum, Leonard Kosencha (800m), Alphas Kishoyian, David Chemjor (400m), Mike Kukomba (200m), Ken Kirui (400m/hurdles); Girls: Zipporah Wanjiru, Caroline Chepkoech (3,000m), Norah Jeruto, Lilian Chepngeno (2,000m SC), Sheila Chepngetich, Faith Chepngetich (1,500m), Agatha Jeruto, Lydia Jepchirchir (800m), Nevian Michira (400m), Eunice Mueni (200m).

Officials: Enos Oyaya (Chef de Mission), Benjamin Njoka ( team manager), Peter Nyambane (assistant team manager), Eunice Sang (chaperon), Robert Ngisire (coach), Gekonyo Kariuki (coach), Paul Okwako (coach), Japheth Kariakim (physiotherapist)

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