Wiseman Were narrates tough journey in athletic after World Championships qualification

© Erick Barasa

ATHLETICS Wiseman Were narrates tough journey in athletic after World Championships qualification

Abigael Wafula 06:00 - 03.07.2023

As he gears up for a tough battle at the World Championships, Were revealed that he will be keen to work on his speed.

On a chilly Saturday morning on June 23, Wiseman Were set a new national record in the 400m Hurdle race and qualified for the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary after clocking 48.52 to cross the finish line at the National Championships.

Were has attested that the journey to his stellar performance this season has not been a walk in the park and he has had to work around the clock to ensure that he achieves his targets.

An emotional Were revealed that he started out his career with a very slow time and it took long for him to make it.

“I have been running and trying to hit the qualifying time…this is my 14th time and I am glad I was able to make that time. In other races, I used to run 49.00 and my dream has finally come true. I started with 55.00 and now I’m here.

"I don’t really know how it came…I feel thankful because this is a good time and I am certain it will open more doors for me,” he said.

Were credited his international tour for helping him build up well for the event. He competed at two ASA Grand Prixes where he won and finished third in the two events respectively.

He later went for the Botswana Golden Grand Prix where he finished third and jetted back home for the Kip Keino Classic where he won the race.

As he gears up for a battle at the World Championships, Were revealed that he will be keen to work on his speed. He added that he will be keen to impress when he goes to the global show and don Team Kenya’s jersey with pride.

“I want to improve on my straight pattern and work on my speed and I will be good to go. I expect to go to the World Championships and give my all,” he said.

He added that it is a good sign to see sprints coming up and it should be motivation enough for the upcoming athletes to know that there is nothing impossible.