Julius Yego has stepped down as Team Kenya’s Captain for Tokyo Olympic Games.
Yego, the 2016 Silver medalist in Rio Olympics, resigned from the position Monday, July 5, after an ugly public fallout with with Athletics Kenya (AK).
There has been back and forth exchanges between Yego and the AK throughout the weekend after the self taught javelin thrower accused the federation of frustrating his Olympic preparations.
“I am disappointed that I am training solely and lonely, no coach. I think some day in future, when am retired, some people will be happy that no one like (me) who ‘complains’ is not in the #Team kenya. How I wish things can change and the future young generations will not be facing these avoidable scenarios. I know God the almighty will see me through this rough path towards Tokyo 2021 Olympics,” Yego who has captained Kenya two times – at the last Olympic in Rio and the Commonwealth Games in Moscow wrote on his official Social media page.
Activism without facts
But in a quick rejoinder, AK termed these claims as cheap propaganda adding that Yego made no effort to ensure that he got access to his coach. Barnabas Korir, the Team Kenya to Tokyo General Manager, termed Yego’s lamentations as ‘activism without facts’.
“Every athlete heading to Tokyo was expected to provide names of their officials, but he didn’t give details of his coach for Covid-19 testing protocols to enable him to join the bubble camp. Sadly, Yego had resorted to activism without facts.”
Yego later hit back by stepping aside from his position as the would be Team Kenya’s flag bearer.
Sorry to disappoint you
“I want to take the opportunity to say I will disappoint you and renounce my captaincy for Team Kenya to Tokyo on the athletics team, the environment for me to be the captain isn’t favourable for me to lead this team.
“Am sorry also to disappoint them for not being able to continue to lead after they chose me initially, but I’m sure they know why I have decided this.
“I will remain an active member of the team and will help where need be.
New captain
Eunice Sum, who will be chasing her maiden Olympic gold in 800 meters has been chosen to lead the team until a new captain is elected.
Early this year, Yego was advanced Ksh400, 000 by the World Athletics to train in South Africa, but could not be granted entry into South Africa due to Covid-19 regulations.
