All African Games javelin champion Julius Yego has landed an IAAF scholarship to train in Sweden early next year.
The six-months scholarship programme will help the thrower prepare effectively for the 2012 London Olympics in London. Making the announcement, AK chairman Isaiah Kiplagat said the scholarship will help boost Yego's chances of qualifying for London Olympics. "Exposure in Sweden will greatly help his chances of doing well at the Olympics and other future championships, where he will represent the country," said Kiplagat.
Kiplagat said the Nordic countries have refined the art of javelin throwing and it will be good boost for thrower. Yego overcame several hurdles to win the coveted gold medal at the All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique with a throw of 78.32m. Several coaches welcomed the scholarship terming it a step in the right direction for Kenyan field athletes. Prisons and sprints coach Stephen Mwaniki said the move to Sweden will expose Yego and will greatly help his techniques.
Mwaniki called on AK to extend the gesture to other field events where Kenya may have the potential to do even better. Coaches Julius Kirwa and Peter Mathu said Kenya stand to improve its medals if field events are taken care of. "As coaches in the middle ad long distance, we would like to see Kenyans fairing well in the field events and sprint races because we have the potential. What we need is exposure," added Kirwa.
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