Mutua bets on the women’s 4×400 m to secure its Olympic place in the Bahamas

Veronica Mutua is confident of finishing in the top 14 in the women’s 4x400m relay during the world relay championships in Nassau, Bahamas, this weekend.

Mutua will be joined by Diana Chebet, Joan Cherono, Jackline Nanjala, Rahab Wanjiru and Vanice Kerubo.

A total of 180 athletes from 27 countries will participate in the women’s 4×400 m event.

The experienced sprinter emphasized the importance of achieving a top 14 finish and a podium finish as they look to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the Olympic Games.

“Our mission in the Bahamas is simple. It is part of the 14 best teams in the Olympic Games. We also aspire to the podium in the women’s race,” said Mutua.

At stake in the Bahamas meeting is direct qualification for the Paris Olympic Games for the 14 best teams in each event.

On the first day, the two best teams from each qualifying round will advance to the final while securing qualification for Paris 2024.

All other teams will compete on the second day in the additional round, where the top two teams from each heat will also qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Mutua said the team had improved its time during training, due to its participation in the ASA Grand Prix continental tour in South Africa last month.

“We have improved our time since the ASA Grand Prix in South Africa. The championship was a perfect platform to hone our skills,” he noted.

Kenya came second on the continental tour, with a time of 3:42:97 behind the hosts, who clocked 3:38:21.

Under the guidance of experienced sprint coach Stephen Mwaniki, the team has focused on perfecting their baton exchanges at the Nyayo National Stadium.

“We have been working tirelessly on our cane management. It has been a challenge for the Kenyan relay teams, but with the right technique, we are confident in Olympic qualification,” he added.

However, Mutua acknowledged the tough competition ahead, particularly from defending Olympic champions the United States, Jamaica, Great Britain and 4x400m world champions the Netherlands.

“The United States, the Netherlands, Jamaica and Great Britain will be a tough test. But we are ready to put in the effort and meet the Olympic qualification standard,” he stated.

At the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Team USA took the 4x400m title in 3:16.85, while the Netherlands secured the World Athletics Championships title in Budapest, Hungary, last year after clocking 3:20.72.

In addition to Olympic berths, teams will also compete for prize money, with the top eight teams awarded.

The top team will pocket 5.3 million shillings ($40,000), second place 2.7 million shillings ($20,000) and third place 1.3 million shillings ($10,000).

Additionally, teams that break a world record will receive 6.6 million shillings (US$50,000) in prize money, subject to ratification.

The relay teams were due to leave last night for the Bahamas.