Gathimba banking on experience to enjoy Olympic glory in Paris

With less than three weeks remaining to Paris 2024 Olympics, Kenyan race-walking veteran Samuel Gathimba has his eyes set on glory when he sets foot on the French capital on 1 August.

After finishing fourth in the 2023 world championships held in Budapest Hungary, 2019 African Games champion is confident of at least making it to the podium.

Gathimba who has been training in Kasarani where the National Olympic Committee of Kenya has set as the residential camp, will be banking on his vast experience gained over the years to come on top.

Play here and stand a chance of winning the over 12 Million SportPesa Midweek Jackpot

“The experience I got in Rio 2016 combined with all the African championships where I have won medals will play a critical role in shaping the race I will have in Paris. I believe I have now come of age to be able to deliver in a major world event like the Olympic Games,” Gathimba said.

Despite missing out on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games, Gathimba has managed to keep his head in the game and was determined to make count for the Paris 2024 games.

When Budapest came, he only had one goal in mind which was punching his ticket and he did so after clocking 1:18:34.

ALSO READ: Harambee Stars should easily qualify for 2025 AFCON, says former Kenyan international

This was a motivation and a clear indication that making the podium is indeed just a stone's throw away since he came in fourth.

“I have been practicing and I feel I am not only physically prepared but also mentally to do my very best in Paris.

My goal is to show Kenya and the world that walking race is just as prestigious a discipline like all the others by winning a medal in Paris,” Gathimba added.

ALSO READ: Athletics coaches championing change in Iten win 500,000 through Tujiamini Gold Award by SportPesa