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Koitatoi Kidali's move to the University of Oregon could be crucial for his preparation and success at the 2025 World Championships.
Budding 800m runner Koitatoi Kidali is gearing up for what could be the most pivotal year of his athletic career.
The 21-year-old Kenyan sensation has secured a scholarship to the University of Oregon, a move that his coach, Sylvester Nakeel, believes will significantly enhance his chances at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
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Nakeel is optimistic that Kidali's transition to the United States where he will join the elite Oregon Ducks track and field team will give him the competitive edge he needs to excel on the world stage.
“Kidali is joining the University of Oregon on a scholarship, which will allow him to compete in their track and field meets. The U.S. offers state-of-the-art facilities that will be instrumental in his training—far beyond what we have here in Kenya,” Nakeel remarked as per The Star.
The University of Oregon’s track and field program is renowned for its success consistently producing world-class athletes who compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Among its roster are Olympic 1,500m champion Cole Hocker,Australia’s Olympic 1,500m silver medalist Jessica Hull, and Rio 2016 Olympic marathon bronze medalist Galen Rupp.
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Nakeel, a seasoned coach who has guided many young athletes to success, believes that the training environment at Oregon will help Kidali close the gap between himself and his international rivals.
Kidali’s current personal bests—47.98 seconds in the 400m, 1:42.66 in the 800m, and 3:43.05 in the 1,500m—are already impressive, but the coach sees room for further improvement.
“Kidali was taking part in his first Olympic Games in Paris, and although he didn’t make it to the finals, the experience was invaluable. Competing against the world’s best has shown him what it takes to succeed at the highest level,” Nakeel explained.
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He added that Kidali’s performance in Paris, where he clocked 1:45.84 in Round One and 1:46.37 in the repechage, was commendable given it was his Olympic debut.
The coach is confident that with the right training and facilities, Kidali can not only meet but surpass the entry standard for the 800m event at the World Championships, which is set at 1:44.50.
More importantly, Nakeel believes Kidali has the potential to beat established stars in the 800m event, a feat that would elevate him to the top tier of middle-distance running.
“His performance in Paris was not bad, considering it was his first time on such a big stage. Now, with the experience he has gained and the training he will receive in Oregon, I believe he can challenge the likes of the top athletes in the world. The World Championships is the goal, and I know he’s eager to make his mark,” Nakeel said.
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The scholarship to Oregon not only provides him with access to world-class facilities and coaching but also allows him to continue his education—a balance he values highly.
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