Emmanuel Wafula looking to emulate Ezekiel Kemboi's heroics

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ATHLETICS Emmanuel Wafula looking to emulate Ezekiel Kemboi's heroics

Abigael Wafula 17:08 - 08.04.2023

Kemboi is one of the greatest steeplechasers the country has ever produced.

Emmanuel Wafula is keen to follow in the footsteps of four-time world 3000m steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi.

Wafula, who has a personal best time of 7:57.48 over the distance, said he draws his inspiration from the two-time Olympic champion.

"My greatest motivator is Ezekiel Kemboi. I love watching his clips during my training and I want to be just like him," Wafula said.

Kemboi is one of the greatest steeplechasers the country has ever produced. He has raised the country's flag on the global stage and Wanyonyi believes he can also replicate the same performance. Kemboi is a three-time Diamond League Meeting final winner and a three-time world 3000m SC silver medalist.

During the Athletics Kenya trials for the Africa Under 18 and 20 championships, Wafula settled for second place behind Solomon Mutuku.

He revealed that he is banking on the experience gained at last year's World Under 20 championships in Cali, Colombia. Wanyonyi made the cut to the global show but could not impress as he fizzled out to finish sixth in 8:45.05.

"That was my first international competition and I didn't have any experience or the tactics. But now, I have learned the ropes and I'm sure I won't disappoint," he said.

He was also part of the junior team sent to a training camp in Miramas, France and he expects to use the skills gained there.

He, however, noted that he did not expect to win and credited his mother's prayers for the feat.

"I want to ask my fans to keep supporting me. I want to finish in the podium bracket," he said.

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