Hurdler Wiseman Were eyeing slot at the World Champs in Budapest

© Athletics Kenya

ATHLETICS Hurdler Wiseman Were eyeing slot at the World Champs in Budapest

Abigael Wafula 15:44 - 25.02.2023

The 25-year-old clinched the 110m hurdles at the second Athletics Kenya meet.

Africa 400m Hurdles bronze medallist, Wiseman Were is eyeing a slot at the World Championships slated for August 19-27 in Budapest, Hungary after a successful season kick-off.

The Commonwealth Games 4x400m relays bronze medallist marked wins in the 110m Hurdle and 200m races at the Athletics Kenya second meet held at the Nyayo National Stadium.

He won the 110m Hurdle race in 20.97 ahead of Dan Kiviasi and Moses Wasike who placed second and third in respective times of 21.23 and 21.31. In the 200m semifinal, he clocked 20.67 ahead of Elijah Matayo who timed 21.17. Stephen Oluoch settled for third place in 21.22.

"I am here to run a fast time. I want to see myself at the World Championships come August," bullish Were said.

He added that competing in the races acts as a buildup for him as he looks to perfect his specialty race- the 400m Hurdles.

At the Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham last year, Were managed a fourth-place finish by clocking 50.27 to cross the finish line. He was a debutant at the event and attested that there was a lot of experience he gained from the outing.

"I came back feeling challenged...that was a great experience. At the moment, my body is feeling great and training is going well," he said.

As sprints gain a reputable reputation in the country with the likes of Africa 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala being a household name, Were said the future is bright and upcoming athletes should not be afraid to take the leap.

At the AK meet, the highest number of athletes who registered wanted to perform in the sprints.

"It's a good start. It shows Kenya also has champions over the distance," he said.

With the Paris Olympics slated for next year, Were said he hopes to also make Team Kenya for the same as he looks to lower his time to 49.00.

His personal best time over his specialty currently stands at 49.09.

Tags: