Team Kenya head coach offers insights into why Kenyan athletes underperformed at the Olympics

Team Kenya’s head coach, Julius Kirwa, has attributed the mixed performances of the country’s athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games to unexpected weather changes. Kirwa explained that the team struggled due to the stark contrast between their training environment in Miramas and the conditions they encountered in Paris.

The athletes had prepared in the intense heat of Miramas, where temperatures exceeded 35°C (95°F). However, upon arriving in Paris, they faced a much cooler and more unpredictable climate, with temperatures fluctuating between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This sudden shift from extreme heat to varying weather proved challenging for the athletes to adapt to.

“The transition from Miramas to Paris was quite different. Miramas was extremely hot, while Paris had a mix of both extremes, which affected us. The change in weather conditions was something we hadn’t fully anticipated, and it impacted the athletes’ performances,” Kirwa explained.

Despite these hurdles, Kirwa expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall performance. He commended the athletes for their resilience and highlighted the crucial role of the team’s officials and medical staff in managing the weather-related challenges. “Conditions in France were tough, but our coordination and the support from our doctors helped us cope,” Kirwa noted.

Looking ahead, Kirwa remains optimistic about the future. “We’re pleased with our results, but we know we can do even better in Los Angeles 2028,” he said. The team has already started planning for the next Olympics, drawing on the lessons learned in Paris to enhance their preparations. Kirwa is confident that the experience gained will be instrumental in their pursuit of success at the upcoming games.