U20 Mascot
NAIROBI, Kenya, August 14 — When Kenya hosts the 2021 World Athletics Under-20 Championships at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Winnie 'Fatuma' Chepng'etich hopes to break Gloria Mulei's national triple jump record. The Kericho-based athlete has seen her skills improve and believes she may break the world record of 13.05m over the six-day competition.
Mulei eclipsed Caroline Kola's record of 12.91m during the 2018 World Under-20 Championships in Tampere, Finland, when she covered 12.97m to finish sixth. "I'm confident that what I've been doing in training will pay off," Fatuma added.
The fourth child of Rosemary Peter and Richard Bii, she believes that if she can beat Mulei's record, she will inspire the national record holder to strive for even greater heights. "Not just for myself, but also for Mulei, this can be a difficult task. If I can jump 13 meters or more, I believe she will want to try 14 meters "Fatuma stated.
Fatuma leapt 12.06m at the nationals, which was an improvement over her regional performance. "I can now leap 12.60m with ease, but I believe there is still opportunity for development. During the Championships, I'm hoping for a time of 13.50 "she continued.
Fatuma is from Kericho town and trains in Kericho County's Kaptere Athletics camp. The 17-year-old, who recently completed her secondary school education at Kericho Day Secondary School, is also a strong 100-meter and 200-meter runner.
"My parents were both sprinters, which explains my love of running and jumping. My father wanted someone to carry on his racing talent, and now that I'm here, he's thrilled "she continued.
Fatuma's teachers advised her to broaden her horizons and not focus solely on one event when she was in school. "My teachers encouraged me to compete in track and field competitions as well. I agree with them since versatility is beneficial. Other track athletes should test all lengths early to increase their chances of medaling at major championships, which are extremely competitive." said Fatuma who trains under Andrew Chepkony.
Meanwhile, Justin Maiyo, who will represent Kenya in the men's triple jump, is hoping for a strong performance next week. Maiyo, like many other Kenyan athletes, is eager to achieve success. “I am confident in my ability and the work I have done in training. We don't have a great record in the triple leap as a country, but I'm hoping to change that," said Maiyo, who jumped 15.21 meters at national trials at Kasarani Stadium earlier this month.
1460 competitors from all around the world will compete at the Nairobi show.