National athletics coach Julius Kirwa says for the country to regain its number one position in the steeplechase, the athletes must be ready to feature in the cross-country series.

He said cross country is always a good build-up for any athlete and should be made compulsory. The tactician noted that it is ironic that some athletes just want to train for two months and make the team.

"Most athletes who took part in cross-country this year, including representing the country in Bathurst, Australia, have done very well," said the tactician.

“We have seen the trend of those who took part in cross country and I feel it is a very good starting point for any long-distance athlete,” he added.

He said the cross-country season starts in November and athletes must be ready to embrace it, adding that training should be a whole year affair and this will require a lot of support from the government. 

“Now that the Paris Olympics are just around the corner, we must have a conversation and start planning now. We can’t afford to sit back and just watch,” he added.

Meanwhile, world 3,000m steeplechase bronze medallist Abraham Kibiwott feels they need a dedicated camp if they are to measure up to the standards and revive the lost glory in the event.

Kibiwott thinks the gap between them and the current holders can be bridged if a 3,000m steeplechase camp can be given attention.

“It is not that those who have won gold and silver are doing anything different from us but as steeplechasers, we will need the necessary support,” he observed.

He said proper structures should also be put in place, with dedicated coaches, if the country is to change the narrative in the water and barrier event.

“A lot has changed in steeplechase and we will have to work hard to regain our position at the top,” he said.

Kibiwott had to overcome a fall on the first barrier of the last 400m to win the bronze behind Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkali (8:03.53) and Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma (8:05.4). Leonard Bett (8:12.26) placed fourth while Simon Koech (8:14.37) was seventh.

He said winning a world bronze medal was an achievement, especially after trying three times without success. His focus, he said, has shifted to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Bett said he ran according to plan despite not winning a gold medal. He said bridging the gap is just a matter of time.

“It’s all about preparations and we need to change tack and see how we can counter our opponents," he said while congratulating Kibiwott for erasing the shame of returning home empty-handed.

Day 6

Morning Session

Time Sex Event Round

08:00 M 35Km Race Walk Final

08:00 W 35Km Race Walk Final

Afternoon Session

Time Sex Event Round

20:00 M 5000m Heats

20:30 M Long Jump Final

20:45 W 200m   Semi-Final

21:20 M   200m Semi-Final

21:26 W Hammer   Final

21:50 M 800m   Semi-Final

22:22 W 100m/H Final

22:35 M 400m Final

22:50 W 400m/H Final