David Kapaiko’s coach, Edcain Mutua, is confident the junior athlete will return home with the 800m gold medal from the Dakar Youth Olympics Games, which start on October 31 in Senegal.
Mutua believes Kapaiko has what it takes to dominate the two-lap race, especially now that he is an established runners over 1500m.
“We expect gold from Dakar in the 800m. He has shifted from 1500 to 800 and it’s a familiar field,” said Mutua.
The junior athlete heads to the Games following an impressive performance at the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, where he won silver in the 1500m.
Kapaiko also impressed at the ANOCA Zone V Games, where he clinched the 800m title in 1:52.55.
At the World Athletics U20 Championships, Kapaiko clocked a 1500m personal best of 3:38.32 to finish second behind compatriot Wilson Chepkwech, who won gold in 3:37.46.
Mutua said the training programme focused on addressing areas of concern identified during Kapaiko’s previous performances, particularly endurance.
“We have been working to ensure he improves on his times during training and his endurance too. These were identified in the previous performances and I am sure he is ready for the race,” he added.
Despite his confidence in Kapaiko’s preparations, Mutua acknowledged the importance of remaining focused and ensuring Team Kenya is well prepared for the competition.
“I don’t know how the other teams are preparing so far. We should prepare well as a country in every field and not rely on previous glory,” he said.
Mutua welcomed the decision to bring the Kenyan team together in camp ahead of their departure for Senegal, saying the arrangement would help strengthen unity and boost the athletes’ morale.
“It is good for the team to be brought together into the camp so that they can train together and bond together as a team before they take off for Dakar because it enhances their spirit of teamwork and boosts their morale,” he said.
