- Kenya has sent a team of 38 athletes
- Cyclists and swimmers were first off the blocks
- The rugby girls team also competed
Kenyan cyclists Daniel Kiptala and Billy Graham kicked off Team Kenya’s participation in the Commonwealth Youth Games, competing in the individual time trials.
Daniel came in 12th while Graham finished 23rd in an event where South Africa took top honors.
This result left Kenya placed second in Africa ahead of counterparts Namibia,Lesotho,Zimbabwe,Nigeria and Ghana. The team is set to compete in the road race on Monday and they look forward to doing even much better than in the time trials.
In an interview with the two cyclists and coach ,one thing came out clear and that was the weather conditions which were a little different from that which they trained in back home during the residential camp.
Graham, reflecting on his performance, shared, “Our main challenge today was the fluctuating weather conditions, with the high temperatures and rain affecting our rhythm. I had to make sure I paced myself to avoid accidents and injuries, especially with the road race ahead on Monday. I am confident that I will deliver improved results during the road race.”
Undeterred by results from time trials
Team Kenya Cyclists during the Time Trial at the Commonwealth Youth Games.
With their eyes set on the upcoming road race, the Kenyan cycling team remains undeterred by the results of the individual time trials. The team is optimistic about their prospects and aims to outperform their earlier performance.
The girls Beach Volleyball team on the other hand stunned Bermuda with a two straight set 2-0 win in their first match of the Youth Club Games.Abigail Chebet and Sharon Jepkogei will be looking to keep the momentum going when they play hosts Trinidad and Tobago in another group A match at the Black Rock Facility in Tobago.
Meanwhile, Young Kenyan swimmer Sarah Mose is aiming for a podium finish at the Games. The 17 year old who is based in Poland was the first Kenyan athlete to arrive in Trinidad where she has had three training sessions already.
Sara determined for good performances
Sara Mose during a training session at the Commonwealth Youth Games
Sara will be joined by male swimmer Aker Mutinda with their coach Lydia Musei. The Commonwealth Youth Games will be her first international duty for Kenya and Sarah is confident that she is equal to the task to go against the likes of Australia, England, Wales and hosts Trinidad and Tobago swimmers.
“Everything is good for me here and I’m prepared enough to face the competition ahead. The weather is good and the pool is cool as well so I am looking to do well and probably get a medal for the team. I am happy to compete for my country. I know my training so that’s what i have focused on here, just working on my speed and everything will turn out well,” said Sarah
” I am excited and a bit nervous as well because everything here is new for me so I have just been observing a lot as well and adjusted things here and there so I believe everything is working for my good.”
Sara will compete in the following events: 50m free, 50m fly, 50m breaststroke 50m backstroke 100m breaststroke.
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