By Special Correspondent, Glasgow
Under the shifting, temperamental Scottish skies, Team Kenya’s track heavyweights took to the Hutchesons’ Grammar School practice tracks on Sunday, shaking off a grueling long-haul flight to lay siege to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Armed with a fierce determination to eclipse their 21-medal haul from Birmingham 2022, the squad shrugged off the biting chill, unpredictable rain, and nagging jet lag as veteran Head Coach Julius Kirwa issued a stern warning to rivals: Kenya is built for any climate.
The Speed Merchants: Redemption and Records
Africa's fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, spearheaded the morning session with explosive block starts, declaring this his "season of restoration."
Defending his 100m crown, the speedster brushed off critics and local weather alike. Alongside him, seasoned wingman Mark Otieno fine-tuned his stride, eyeing a maiden 100m final spot.
Adding fresh spark to the camp is US-based sensation Rukia Nusra Omulisia, whose recent historic sub-13-second breakthrough has her oozing confidence.
"Come rain, come sunshine, we train through this back home. We don't choose the weather, we just make it work," she smiled, completely unfazed by the moody Glasgow air.
In the steeplechase tonight (Monday), National Champion Simon Koech (right, chasing down Ethiopia's Gemechu Godana at this year's Kip Keino Classic), fresh off a blistering 7:59.44 personal best in Rabat, looks unstoppable In Glasgow. (Photo / File)
The Distance Giants: Chasing Gold and Dominance
In the mid and long-distance ranks, world 800m champion Lilian Odira stood out as a red-hot favorite, exuding quiet confidence ahead of her tactical debut on British soil.
But the real fireworks are expected in Monday night's direct finals.
In the 25-lap war, with distance icon Beatrice Chebet away on maternity leave, African Champion Diana Wanza is primed to take the mantle.
Expect her to unleash a punishing, suffocating early pace to break her rivals, dragging teammates Miriam Chebet and Rebecca Mwangi along in a fierce bid for an all-Kenyan podium sweep.
And in Kenya’s men’s steeplechase fortress, National Champion Simon Koech, fresh off a blistering 7:59.44 personal best in Rabat, looks unstoppable.
He will anchor a calculated tactical shield alongside under-20 star Edmund Serem and Leonard Bett, aiming to suffocate foreign opposition over the barriers and claim total ownership of the podium.
Plan to Exceed Previous 21-medal Tally
Kenya’s athletics squad aims to exceed their 21-medal tally from the previous games at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with Head Coach Julius Kirwa citing high morale and meticulous preparation.
Head Coach Julius Kirwa is happy with high team morale and intensive preparations despite challenging, unpredictable weather conditions.
Speaking from the practice track in Glasgow, Kirwa highlighted the team's dedicated preparation, high morale, and determination to overcome flight fatigue and variable local weather conditions.
Despite the changing weather conditions and initial travel fatigue, Kirwa is confident the intensive training back home in Kenya has equipped them to handle any environment.
“The weather is quite unpredictable. After a couple of hours, you see it getting cold, then warm, and then cold again. But none of these things can intimidate us because of the preparation we did back home. That is not a problem for us,” the veteran head coach observes.
US-based sensation Rukia Nusra Omulisia, whose recent historic sub-13-second breakthrough has her oozing confidence, speaks to journalists in Glasgow on Sunday. (Photo / Team Kenya)
Mixture of Youth and Experience
He adds that initial track sessions were focused on shaking off travel strain to ensure athletes are in peak form: "We woke up today (Sunday) to do some light training to try and shake off the jet lag from the long flight."
With a mixture of seasoned international runners and promising newcomers, Kirwa notes that team spirit remains high as coaches work closely to meet the athletes' equipment and training needs: "The athletes have been faithful to the guidance we give them, and the coaches are right here with them. We have the morale. The few remaining issues involve equipment like spikes for some of the new athletes who have made the national team for the first time.
“Those supporting them need to look into their needs so they can proceed smoothly. Otherwise, the runners are ready."
Omanyala Out to Silence Critics
Speaking at the Hutchesons’ Grammar School tracks in Glasgow after his morning training session on Sunday, Omanyala reflected on his journey since capturing gold four years ago in Birmingham, expressing confidence and eagerness to silence critics who doubt his ability to stay at the summit.
“To repeat perfection is a bit hard, but we are here to make sure that we prove that wrong. I’m excited about being here for the second time. How time flies—four years ago we were in Birmingham, now we are here,” he reflected, also quick to add that the weather shouldn’t offer any mitigation: “Wind or rainy weather, we still have to run. There’s no way the event is going to be postponed or pushed forward, so we just have to adapt to it."
Ferdinand Omanyala says his recent performances have aligned with a broader, structured plan targeting major global meets later in the year. (Photo / File)
His recent performances have aligned with a broader, structured plan targeting major global meets later in the year, including the Ultimate Championships and the Diamond League Finals after a solid build-up during the early phase of the season with focus now on restoring his elite form following past setbacks.
Fellow sprinter and his second-in-command, Mark Otieno is, meanwhile, looking to elevate his performance, also wary of the changing weather conditions here.
“I know it was summer, as they said, but if the weather changes, these are uncontrollable circumstances, so we're going to go with how it is. But, yeah, I'm really happy that this is my second Commonwealth and I'm really looking forward to performing much better and better."
World Champ Odira Red-hot Favourite
Elsewhere, women’s world 800m champion Odira will be red-hot favourite on her Commonwealth Games debut but is wary of a potentially difficult British challenge.
"You know, this is my debut in the Commonwealth Games—I've never been to the Commonwealth Games. But I'm hoping for the best, hoping to do my best, and I think everything is going to be fine."
With her track preparation nearing completion, the world champion is set to lead Kenya's charge in the women's 800m events.
Highlights of Team Kenya’s programme at the Commonwealth Games on Monday, July 27:
Morning & Afternoon Heats:
Men's 100m (Round 1): Featuring defending champion Ferdinand Omanyala and veteran sprinter Mark Otieno; Men's 110m Hurdles (Round 1); Women's 100m (Round 1).
Evening Session & Finals:
Women's 800m (Round 1): Lilian Odira begins her tactical charge in the qualification heats alongside Janet Jepkemboi, Vivian Chebet; Women's 10,000m (Final): Team Kenya’s endurance unit fights for the first long-distance medals – Diana Wanza, Miriam Chebet, Rebecca Mwangi; Men's 3,000m Steeplechase (Final): A core medal target for the nation's elite barrier racers – Simon Koech, Edmund Serem, Leonard Bett.
Full Team Kenya Programme Today (Monday, July 27) below:
