2011 SU Update: Kenya’s 800m Universiade Hope

SHENZHEN – Fred Samoei was bound for Maputo as part of the Kenyan 800m men’s team to this year’s edition of the All Africa Games in Mozambique.

Selectors inNairobithough had other ideas and replaced him soon after the Kenyan trials were held in July. Now, though, his star is shining bright.

“I think the decision was taken because I am a relative unknown in the 800m discipline which has very strong athletes from Kenya,” he said.

Out of the entire Kenyan contingent at the Universiade, he is the only one whose performance has worth writing home about. Disastrous performances from his compatriots have put him on the spotlight as he is now the only medal hope for the East African powerhouse.

Competing against 800m world record holder David Rudisha, 2007Osakaworld champion 2006 world junior championships silver medallist and a host of other big names in Nairobi is no mean feat.

The Alabama University student says being dropped gave him the impetus to prove despite his anonymity, he is a strong athlete. He knew he would sooner rather than later get a stage on which to prove this.

The 2011 Shenzhen Universiade turned out to be his platform. The healthcare management student has impressed in the preliminary and semifinal rounds of the 800m. He is now considered one for the favorites for the gold medal.

The 24 year-old believes that the experience he has gotten by participating in various 800m, 1500m and mile races both in Kenya and the U.S.have helped him deal with the humidity problems that have bogged down many of his compatriots.

“I expected to have a difficult time because I am not accustomed to the Shenzhen weather. Thankfully, it seems my training has prepared me to handle the weather and still challenge in the race,” he said.

Samoei won his semifinal in a time of 1 minute 46.91 seconds to qualify for the final. The 24 year-old’s prospects look bright and with his never die attitude, he may soon be a force to reckon with in the two-lap race in the future.

(Source: Maureen Mwende, FISU-AIPS Young Reporter /Kenya)