The beginning of a life-changing career for young athletes in the ISF X-country

Tiaty constituency in Baringo County is notorious for cattle rustling, but Peter Pangai wants to change the narrative.

The Sinonin High School second grader is one of the rising stars expected to shine at this weekend’s International Schools Federation (ISF) World Cross Country Championships at Ngong Racecourse this Sunday.

Pangai, who acts as captain of the under-18 boys, says he would like to transform Tiaty into a sports centre. “I want to change the narrative of cattle rustling and make young people see life differently. I want them to realize that sport unites and can transform an area,” he stated.

He wants his fellow youth to abandon the practice of cattle rustling and focus on education and sports. And he added: “I want to use sport to transform the area. “I also want to win a gold medal during Sunday’s event to show that it pays in sports.”

He asked Tiaty’s parents to take their children to school and help them discover their talents. “The faster the people of Tiaty realize that there is life beyond the whisper, the faster we will grow.”

Pangai started running 3,000m while he was in primary school and then joined the Sinonin training camp with Barnaba Kitilit to pursue his dream.

“I found out about the training camp in Baringo while I was in primary school and sought out Kitilit who welcomed me. I never looked back,” he said, adding that being a captain comes with responsibilities.

Besides Pangai, other rising stars to watch are obstacle course athletes Diana Chepkemoi and Mercy Chemweno. “My specialty is the 3,000m steeplechase and I want to do well in cross country and fly the Kenyan flag high. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to represent the country,” said Chepkemoi, a third-grade student at Saramek High School.

Chemweno joined the team after his exploits at the Rift Valley Secondary School Games at Kapsabet Boys, where he won the 3,000m steeplechase.

His performance even saw Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba visit his home in Kipkelion, Kericho County.

“I am well prepared for the race and I hope to repeat the Rift Valley Games,” she said. Others to keep an eye on are Kevin Kirpop and Nelson Simiren, who want to maintain their family tree in athletics.

Kiprop wants to follow in the footsteps of his father, Christopher Soget, and his older brothers Justus Soget and Evans Kipkosgei.

“I like the training here in Ngong and I want to make my country proud,” Kiprop said.

And he added: “I want to emulate my father, who used to run 5,000m. “He has played a leading role in fostering my talent,” he noted.

Team manager Koech Kirwa said the team is in high spirits and ready for the competition. “The team we have is good and we hope to perform well,” he added.

Coach Robert Ng’isirei believes they are favorites for first position. “We have prepared well for the next event and I am sure we will come out first.” Ng’isirei said.

The coach said he expects good weather for the day despite the recent heavy rains in the country. Kenya will be represented by 61 athletes (30 boys and 31) in the Under-12, 15 and I8 categories. The team’s overall captain, Phanuel Koech, who will compete in the under-18 category, said he has improved a lot thanks to residential training.