Paralympics champion Samwel Muchai stunned at Kasarani
Wilson Bii (second left) with his guide Robert Tarus (left) wins the men’s 5,000m T11 ahead of Samwel Mushai (right) and his guide James Boit during the trials for Dubai Athletics Para Grand Prix at Kasarani on January 4, 2021.
What you need to know:
- Kenya National Paralympics Committee (KNPC) president Agnes Aluoch said they will require Sh 7.6 million to take a team of 30 athletes, eight guides and 12 officials for the Dubai event.
- "Our intentions are to put the team in camp from Monday next week since we want more to qualify for Tokyo.
The 2016 Paralympics 5,000m T11 bronze medallist Wilson Bii stunned 2016 Paralympics 5,000m T11 champion Samwel Muchai to win the men’s 5,000m T11 during the trials for Dubai Athletics Para Grand Prix at Kasarani Monday.
Bii won the category in 15 minutes and 55.5 seconds, beating injured Muchai for the first time to second place in 15:56.3, as Rogers Kiprop settled for third in 16:12.5, followed by Eric Sang in 16:34.4.
“It’s a great feeling and I am happy to win this nice race despite all the inactivity challenges brought by Covid-19,” said Bii, who is based in Eldoret.
“It was tough to convince my guide Robert Tarus to leave his family in Kericho to come and train with me and it’s quite a humbling gesture that he accepted,” explained Bii, who is now focused on making his third Olympic Games come Tokyo Summer Games, having attained the “A” qualifying time.
The Dubai Athletics Para Grand Prix due February 7-14 is one of the Tokyo Paralympic Games qualifying events that the National Paralympic Committee of Kenya (KNPC) have lined up for Kenyan athletes.
Others are Tunisia Grand Prix due March 18-20 in Tunis, France Grand Prix on May 5-7, Morocco Grand Prix June and Manchester Powerlifting International in March.
Sylvia Olero in action in the women’s discus during the trials for Dubai Athletics Para Grand Prix at Kasarani on January 4, 2021.
Bii also went on to win the men's 1,500 T11 after cashing in on the absence of Muchai, who withdrew with a tendon injury. Bii clocked 4:23.6, beating Sang and Kiprop in 4:29.3 and 4:32.7 respectively.
“It’s unfortunate that I injured my tendon. I was in great pain,” said Muchai, who also holds silver in 1,500m T11 from the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and 1,500m T11 gold from 2012 London Paralympics.
“I hope to recover on time for the Dubai event,” said Muchai, the 2017 London and 2019 Dubai 2019 5,000m T11 champion.
Despite not having trained owing to Covid-19 restrictions, Sylvia Olero hauled 27.43m to win the women’s discus and set the stage for qualification to Tokyo Paralympics in Dubai.
“I am currently ranked 10th in the world but I want to throw 35m in Dubai for a top five ranking that will guarantee me a place in Tokyo,” said Olero.
“Basically to 12 goes to the Paralympics but I want to be sure with a throw of 30m plus."
Wesley Sang won the men's 1,500m T46 in "A" qualifying time of 4:02.0, beating Stanley Masik and Felix Kipruto in 4:10.0 and 4:21.5 respectively.John Topritich claimed the men's 1,500m T12 in "B"qualifying time of 4:02.6 finishing ahead of Vitais Kibiwott in 4:06.5.
John Kiprotich won the 5,000m T12 in 15:23.1 as Barnerad Koskei settled second 15:25.6.
Kenya National Paralympics Committee (KNPC) president Agnes Aluoch said they will require Sh 7.6 million to take a team of 30 athletes, eight guides and 12 officials for the Dubai event.
"Our intentions are to put the team in camp from Monday next week since we want more to qualify for Tokyo.
"Having them in camp will keep them away from many distractions, noting that they haven't trained for long owing to Covid-19 situation,"said Aluoch, adding that they have already written to the Ministry requesting for funds.
