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Kenya: Tuwei Roots for Smooth Transition in Athletics, Warns Rogue Agents

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4 years ago

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Young runners have been urged to pursue careers in track before graduating to road races and marathons to ensure longevity.

Speaking on Wednesday during National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) gala in Eldoret, Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei said unscrupulous agents and coaches were using the promise of quick money to lure young Kenyan athletes straight to marathon races, thereby exposing them to burnout at an early stage of their careers before they fizzle out.

“We have seen athletes rushing to compete in road races with the objective of making quick money but this should be discouraged because it is detrimental to the athlete. A good athlete should start competing in track events before graduating gradually to the road races,” Tuwei said on Wednesday during the NOC-K gala dinner hosted by Tusker at Eka Hotel in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.

Tuwei also cautioned athletes against doping, saying use of banned substances was hurting Kenya’s good reputation.

“We will organise more anti-doping seminars in conjunction with Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) to sensitise athletes on the dangers of doping,” Tuwei said, adding that Kenya was determined to get out of Category ‘A’ of Athletes Integrity Unit that has countries where doping is most rampant.

He urged runners to prepare well for a busy season next year and revealed that the local cross country season will start next week in Machakos as the country prepares to host one event in the World Cross Country Tours in Eldoret in February.