Chris Musumba
4 July 2008
Nairobi — She bust on to the international scene with a gold medal in the 10,000m at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games two years ago but it has been difficult for Lucy Wangui Kabuu to register consistent results at the highest level ever since.
World 800m champions Alfred Kirwa Janeth Jepkosgei and training partner Japheth Lelei shape up at the Nyayo Stadium for the National Olympic trials which start on Friday at the same venue. Photos/MOHAMMED AMIN.
Outsprinting her friend Evelyn Wangui in the final 100m at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Kabuu marvelled at her moment of glory when she clocked 31:29.66 on her way to clinch the gold medal.
However, she lost her form as she battled injuries and fatigue when she returned to her base in Japan where she worked with Suzuki Company.
Born in 1984 in Nyeri, Kabuu moved to Japan aged 17 and started her training with the Suzuki Track and Field Club. She has featured in numerous race in Japan winning several accolades and a place in the Athens Olympics in 2004 where she finished 31:05.90 which is still her personal best time.
Her fortunes dipped so much after Melbourne that she failed to get a invitation to national trials for the Osaka World Championship last year.
All that is now history. Kabuu is now based in Eldoret where she has been training with PACE Sports Management coached by Ricky Simms.
Beyond the trials
This year she finished fourth in 10000m at the African Championships and is now is now keen to return to the back to the biggest track stage.
"I have to get my chance to return to the Olympics. I am in top form and will be hoping that everything goes well today. The camp in Eldoret was good and helped all athletes raise their standards which is expected to make it difficult for all today as only the best three will make the team," said Kabuu.
She faces strong challenge from Japan based Philes Ongori who finished eighth last year in Osaka timed at 32:30.74. Ongori is one of the many youngsters seeking to step up to Olympics. Others are Grace Momanyi and Linet Chepkurui. Momanyi has clocked a time of 31:08.24 while Chepkurui's 31:14.98 both in Ostrava makes them favourites Friday.
But they must be wary of Penina Arusei with a personal best of 1:08:22 set in Berlin April with Pamela Chepchumba and Alice Timbilil also in the hunt.
Walkers Grace Wanjiru, Caroline Mwangi, Grace Wanjiru, Irene Wamuyu, Jepngetich Kosgei and Mary Kilonzo will also be trying to qualify. The men areDavid Kimutai, David Mwangi Karugu, Enoch Muchende and Eric Shikuku.
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