Chance to host global athletics great honour

The choice of Kenya to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships is a great honour. The biennial global athletics showpiece will be staged on African soil for the very first time. It is gratifying to note that Nairobi edged out top European cities, such as London and Rome, to win the right to host this spectacular event.

This country has been picked for the biggest global athletics event certainly because of its highly recognised distance-running prowess. It is probably also a reward to Kenyans for being among the world’s best athletics fans.

Often described as the “World Cup of Athletics”, it will bring to Kenya the greatest athletes in the sprints, middle-distance running, marathons and field events.

More than 2,000 of the world’s best athletes from 200 countries will grace the event for the track and field events. President William Ruto has promised that the country will deliver an “unforgettable championship”.

The athletics authorities should do everything possible to realise this dream. They have the support of the holder of the highest office in the land, and no excuses should be entertained later, as there is now ample time to organise and build the capacity to enable Nairobi to shine during the championship nearly three years from today.

For four decades, Kenyan athletes have helped to define the history of global distance running. Of course, there have been some challenges, including doping, but the country has steadfastly fought the vice in collaboration with the relevant international bodies. The few crooks cannot undermine the great success achieved by the majority of clean and hardworking athletes.

Kenya has been the second most successful country in the championships, having won 182 medals, including 72 gold, and only eclipsed by the United States.

The Ministry of Sports and Athletics Kenya officials certainly deserve kudos for bidding successfully for this great opportunity. It is a huge victory for the country and the continent, and let the preparations begin in earnest.

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