World U20: Wanyonyi walks his way to gold
Kenya’s Heristone Wanyonyi made history at the ongoing World Athletics Under-20 Championships at Moi International Sports Centre,Kasarani on August 21,2021.
18-year-oldWanyonyi who participated in the men’s 10,000 metres race walk on Saturday clocked 42:10.84 to win a gold medal. India’s Amit Khatri settled for silver in 42:17.94 as Spaniard Paul McGrath clockedpersonal best 42:26.11 to take bronze.
Wanyonyi exchanged leads with Khatri in the last four laps before breaking away at the last bell to win the tight race.
“I am over the moon after handing Kenya it’s maiden race walk victory at any world championship. This is a major achievement for me so far and I don’t know how to celebrate it,” said a visibly jubilant Wanyonyi.
Wanyonyi had his teacher Mr. Edward Moti of Sigirio Primary School in West Pokot to thank for luring him to race walk from 10,000m track.
“Moti could have Youtube sessions for me and he told me to try the sport,” said Wanyonyi.
Wanyonyi,a form four leaver at Ortum Boys,West Pokot said his dream is to participate in the 2024 Olympics in Paris confident that he will give Kenya a gold medal. He is currently training with coach Geoffrey Otwani at Ruaraka’s General Service Unit (GSU) camp.
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