Kenya’s relay head coach, Stanley Towet, is eyeing a podium finish on the final day of the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, following a strong showing by his team on Day One.
Towet expressed optimism after two Kenyan relay squads earned qualification spots for the World Championships set for September in Tokyo.
Their Day One performance, he said, has given him renewed belief in the team’s medal potential.
“I’m proud of how the athletes performed. Their fighting spirit has been inspiring, and morale is high in camp,” Towet said.
The men’s 4x400m team—comprising Zablon Ekwam, Boniface Mweresa, Brian Tinega, and Kevin Kipkorir—secured an automatic qualification after finishing second in their heat with a time of 3:00.88.
Meanwhile, the 4x400m mixed relay quartet of Kipkorir, Mercy Chebet, David Sanayek, and Mercy Oketch clocked a season-best 3:13.41, finishing third in their heat and qualifying as one of the fastest non-automatic entries.
Despite the early success, Towet remains grounded. He emphasized the importance of staying focused to ensure that the team not only qualifies but also performs strongly in Tokyo.
“We’re not getting carried away. The athletes are motivated and encouraging one another. We know the job isn’t done yet,” he noted. “Our goal is to finish on the podium and bring home a medal along with the qualification.”
With the final day of competition approaching, Kenya’s relay teams are carrying not just the hope of a nation but also the belief that they belong among the world’s best.
