Kenya’s sprinting scene is brimming with anticipation as Mark Otieno calls on fans to show up in Tokyo with the same passion that lit up the African Nations Championship. With the World Championships set to run from September 13 to 21, Otieno insists that the support of fans could be the secret weapon that propels Team Kenya to an unforgettable breakthrough.
Otieno, who will compete in the men’s 4x100m relay, has been part of a squad showing steady growth. Their qualification came after strong performances at the World Athletics Relays, where they impressed in the repechage round of the finals. For him, this is not just another appearance on the global stage it is a chance to rewrite Kenya’s sprinting story.
“The world is not ready for what we have prepared,” Otieno declared, brimming with confidence. He highlighted the team’s relentless training and improvements across the season, convinced that their time has come. The sprinter urged fans to turn up in large numbers, insisting that the atmosphere of passionate support could mirror the energy seen during CHAN and inspire the team to even greater heights.
Kenya enters the competition against sprinting powerhouses like the United States and Jamaica, but Otieno points out that relays are unpredictable. He notes that even the biggest teams can falter on the global stage, leaving room for rising squads to make headlines.
More than just aiming for respectable finishes, Otieno believes this is a defining moment for Kenyan sprinting. With faith, hard work, and unity, he hopes Tokyo could spark a lasting shift, giving Kenyan athletes a stronger footing in events long dominated by others.
“This is not about testing the waters anymore,” he affirmed. “We are going all in, and with the favor of God, anything can happen.”
For Otieno and his teammates, the mission is clear: compete fiercely, surprise the world, and perhaps, for the first time, etch Kenya’s name onto the sprinting medal tally. Fans, he says, should not miss out on what could be the start of something historic.
