Athletic aspirations

BBC Africa Live's reporter Michael Kaloki in Nairobi spoke to four Kenyan athletes about their hopes, dreams and challenges as the 2005 World Championships take place in the Finnish capital, Helsinki.

Africa Live discussed winners on Wednesday 10 August at 1630 GMT.

EDWARD 'FLASH' KHAKAME

Hear 'Flash'

I hope to represent Kenya in the marathon one day, maybe this year if God is with me.

I hope to get a gold for Kenya.

My hopes and ambitions are to be like people like Kip Keino, Billy Konchello - those are people that inspire me in my sporting activity and as I work out each and every day, to achieve my goal.

My challenges in sport have been financial and bias.

Bias because if you haven't made it as a star, as yet then there is some bias from certain types who think you are not doing it right.

However I'll stick to my work out and I think I'll do it.

JOSEPH SAGIMO

Hear Joseph

I am from Nairobi and I am currently training to run the marathon.

I tried it last year and I performed very well.

In fact my aim was to defeat only one individual, a runner, on the day but since I defeated more than 1,000, I see that I have potential.

I am hoping for an even better place this time.

I will most likely be in the top 10.

I know I can do it.

Paul Tevgat: I have seen him running and he is my idol - the one that I am trying to emulate.

I do not have to look beyond or further a field because we have all the stars in Kenya.

What we do need here in Kenya are some scouts though.

What I am looking for, is for someone out there to come and see me because I know that once I get the proper representation and the proper coaching I know I can do it.

AFRICA LIVE

Some things are a hindrance to me like running materials - the shoes, the tracks...

I don't get them.

I don't have them.

I don't have a physician... I don't have someone to look after me, to advise me saying: "Okay you can take this, but don't take this."

And so these are the things that if I manage to secure I know I can do better.

My aim is to represent Kenya in the next Olympics.

JOSEPH OJWANG MSIKO

Hear Joseph

I usually do some jogging training in the morning.

But one day I hope to represent my country professionally.

I want to run long races.

The only problem that I cannot conquer is the lack of a training partner and the training kit.

One day I hope I will overcome the challenges and represent my country.

PETER MIRINGU

Hear Peter

I train daily, I am hoping to join the national athletics team and to be recognised nationally, and worldwide too.

Here in Kenya it is very hard for athletes as far as the financial aspect is concerned, and as far as competition is concerned.

With everything you have a lot of challenges.

I hope to overcome them with time, maybe by getting a good training person or even a sponsor.

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If you would like to comment on these athlete's aspirations or send them a message please use the form below.

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

Your comments:

Joseph O Msiko, I wish you all the best in your endeavour. Regardless of the tough situation you are going through, do not give up. Just hang tight. There is light at the end of the tunnel. As an African myself, I can feel your pain and frustration. Becoming a star in Africa is an uphill battle. Apart from lack of training materials and equipment, jealousy and personal hatred abound too.

I have seen friends borrowing sneakers to run and booths to play soccer. Some even run and play with bare foot. It will be extremely difficult for one to be patriotic after having gone through all these hassles. May God crown all our effort with success.
Omorodion Osula, Boston, USA

All Kenyan athletes giving their comments here have their own dreams and the difficulty which may appear as an obstacle to reach what they dreamt. The dream of the athletes and their problems are the same in my country Ethiopia. With all these types of visionary athletes, Kenya and Ethiopia will be in a competitive place for the coming years if the required training and concern given to them. Keep up with your endurance.
Yosef Abay Meressa, Ethiopia living in Qatar

I congratulate the Kenyan athletes for what they have achieved and their aspirations. I also congratulate my own Ugandan, Dorcus Inzikuru who won for our country a Gold Medal. We last won such a trophy during by the late John Akii Bua during Olympic games in Munich in 1972. Our Sports Minister Charles Bakkabulindi has promised in Parliament that Inzikuru will be given a heroine's welcome on her way home.
Ahmed Kateregga Musaazi, Uganda

Dear Khakame, Sagimo, Msiko and Miringu, I must say that sometimes success does not come easy and many times we are required to be patient, keep praying and hope for the best. You need to keep on working hard, be open-minded and keep your eyes and ears open. Think outside the box and you shall see many doors opening.

Keep on believing in yourselves and remember that we go through the hard times and we sometimes lack some things in order that we may learn to appreciate when good things come our way. I believe that sometimes we think too much about how we can get financial help or other kind of help from other people that we forget to work hard enough to help ourselves.

In some cases the financial implications of some undertakings are overwhelming and we may need help but we should first help ourselves then when the worst comes to the worst, we can then ask for help. My dear brothers, you shall make it! Just keep working hard, think outside the box and keep your eyes and ears open!
Nyokabi Kahura, Kenya