National triple and long jump records holder Jacob Katonon believes Kenya has talented field athletes who can thrive at the global level if only they are provided with the right coaching.
"Mentorship is a crucial part of talent nurturing and development because we are able to share tips with these young ones on how they can reach their peak," Katonon said. "We had our time and sooner or later, we will no longer be around. So it would be wonderful to pass on the knowledge and baton to these children and grandchildren."
For over two decades, the 52-year old walked across field events like a colossus, courtesy of three national records in long, high and triple jumps.
The 1995 All-Africa Games triple jump champion urged Athletics Kenya to work closely with legends in field events to help reclaim the country's stature as a hotbed of talented long, high and triple jumpers.
He soared 17.12m to set the triple jump national record at the national championships in 1996 in Nairobi. Less than a month later, the Moiben native fell at the qualification stage of the Atlanta Olympic Games in the United States where he could only jump 16.17m.
He was also, previously, the national record holder in high jump (2.24m), which he set at the national championships in Nairobi in 1992. However, the record was broken in 2018 by African champion Mathew Sawe, who jumped 2.30m during the Kenya Defence Forces national championships.
While comparing today's field athletes to those of yesteryears, Katonon noted that the current crop lacks fitness due to poor diet and lack of self-discipline. Katonon further called on county governments and MCAs to play their part in developing talent at the grassroots.
"There should be a comprehensive scouting programme involving schools. After finding these talented field athletes, they should be brought together in one place...maybe a school where their needs will be catered for by an area MCA or the county government. They should also be provided with modern facilities," he said.
He was among hundreds of athletics legends who had turned out for the national trials for the Open Africa Masters Athletics Championship at Nyayo Stadium last weekend. The continental competition is set for November 22-27 in Nairobi. Athletics Kenya Masters’ secretary general Rose Tata Muya said they are looking beyond the continent and will immediately shift focus to next year's indoor championships in Edmonton, Canada as well as the World Masters in Tampere, Finland..