Athletics Kenya orders closure of all training camps

Athletics Kenya (AK) on Wednesday called for the closure of training camps and clubs due to growing concerns around the spread of Covid-19.

“All athletics training camps and clubs should remain closed until further notice,” AK said in a statement in response to the growing threat of coronavirus.

“Athletes are advised to continue training individually and coaches encouraged to continue monitoring individual athletes.”

Coach of Timothy Cheruiyot, Bernard Ouma told Reuters: “We decided to break the camp, so guys are training by themselves. But I am monitoring the work,” said Ouma, who runs Rongai Athletics Club, located on the outskirts of Nairobi, and also coaches Elijah Manangoi, the 2017 1,500m world champion.

With the Tokyo Olympics still set for July 24 to August 9, athletes will have little choice but to keep training.

“Hopefully, the Olympics will be there, might not be there as well. But we are preparing individually, my job is to monitor what’s going on,” said Ouma.

“It’s tough for everyone, we are in difficult times. We don’t turn out for the Olympics (without being ready) and we are not in good shape… everyone is fighting the dilemma (of) what will happen tomorrow.”

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo