Wiseman Were has opened up about the factors that led to his semifinal exit in the men’s 400m hurdles at the Paris Olympics, where he clocked 49.22 seconds to finish fifth in his heat. Competing against some of the world’s top athletes, including Rai Benjamin, who won the heat with an impressive time of 47.85, Were acknowledged that his rivals had the upper hand due to better preparation and more frequent competitive opportunities. Were’s candid reflection highlights the broader challenges faced by Kenyan athletes on the global stage and the need for systemic changes to enhance their performance.
Were believes that Kenya’s athletic potential is immense, with raw talent that could compete with the best in the world. However, he emphasized that more needs to be done to support athletes in their development, particularly in providing them with enough opportunities to compete and refine their techniques. Were pointed out that the lack of regular races not only limits the ability to gain valuable experience but also hampers the fine-tuning of technical aspects crucial to excelling in events like the 400m hurdles.
Reflecting on his own experience, He noted that despite the limited number of races he participated in this season, he was able to see noticeable improvements in his performance. This, he believes, is a clear indication that with more consistent competition, he could achieve even greater results. Were remains optimistic about his future in the sport, setting a personal goal to break the 47.00-second barrier in upcoming competitions. He is confident that with the right support and more racing opportunities, he can reach this target and continue to make strides in his athletic career.
Were’s experience at the Paris Olympics, while challenging, has also been a source of motivation for him. He expressed pride in representing Kenya on such a prestigious stage and felt a sense of fulfillment in reaching the semifinals, especially given the high level of competition he faced. Competing against some of the best in the world, Were views his performance as a significant achievement, one that reflects his dedication and hard work despite the obstacles he encountered along the way.
One of the key lessons Were took away from his Olympic debut is the importance of staying healthy, which he believes was crucial in allowing him to focus on improving his technique and running patterns. He noted that in the past, he struggled with certain aspects of his performance, particularly in maintaining consistent patterns during races. However, with the few opportunities he had this season, Were was able to make significant strides in addressing these issues, which contributed to his improved performance at the Olympics.
Looking ahead, Were is determined to build on the experiences and lessons learned from the Paris Olympics. He sees this as a valuable stepping stone in his career, providing him with the insights and motivation needed to push forward. Were is committed to continuing his progress and is hopeful that with increased support and more opportunities to compete, he can achieve his goals and represent Kenya at the highest level.
Were’s reflections on his Olympic journey underscore the broader challenges that many Kenyan athletes face. While talent is abundant, the lack of consistent competition and adequate support can hinder their ability to reach their full potential. Were’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in athletes’ development, not just in terms of physical training but also in providing them with the opportunities and resources needed to succeed on the global stage.
As Were continues to pursue his athletic dreams, his experience at the Paris Olympics will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping his future. His determination, resilience, and commitment to improving his performance are qualities that will serve him well as he aims for new heights in his career. With the right support and a focus on long-term development, Were and other Kenyan athletes have the potential to achieve great success in the world of athletics.
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