Zablon Ekwam challenges men after failing to secure gold at World Championships

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ATHLETICS Zablon Ekwam challenges men after failing to secure gold at World Championships

Abigael Wafula 05:32 - 05.09.2023

Ekwam was competing in both the 4x400m mixed relay team and men's team.

Representing Team Kenya in the 4x400m mixed relay and men’s team at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Zablon Ekwam was disappointed that men failed to deliver gold for the country at the World Championships.

Both categories failed to reach the semi-final of the event after a poor display in the heats that saw them finish seventh in both the mixed relay and the men’s team.

After the unceremonious exit from the global event, Ekwam chose to draw positives that would make the team better as they gear up for the Paris Olympics next year.

In an exclusive interview with Pulse Sports, the 26-year-old said: “One of the main things I learned in Budapest is that we have to strain more harder than what we are currently doing.

"People outside there are really training and we need to give 100% effort if we need to go far. We have only been giving 30% so the remaining 70% we have to put in the work.”

Team Kenya had set lofty targets ahead of the showpiece and many expected them to live up to the billing, something they failed to honour.

The national 400m champion noted that it was very disappointing to only come back home with three gold medals all having been won by women.

“There were a lot of expectations and things turned out the way it was. Finishing in the seventh position was not good and I think that was just God’s plan.

"It was disappointing that no men won gold for Kenya. We had some technicalities in the men’s relay team when Wycliffe Kinyamal just pulled out,” Ekwam said.