Weightlifting Kenya has begun an intensive training programme as athletes prepare for major continental competitions in 2026.
The team is training for the African Weightlifting Championships scheduled for May 10–17, 2026, in Ismailia, as well as the African Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships set for August 2026 in Ghana. The youth competition will serve as a qualifier for the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games, to be held in Dakar from October 31 to November 13, 2026.
Speaking on Friday in Nairobi from the team’s training base at Pangani Steel City Gym, national team coach James Omondi acknowledged the challenges of training younger athletes who are preparing for the Dakar qualifiers. However, he noted that the senior athletes are steadily getting into shape as the international competitions approach.
“The Dakar Youth Olympics is for juniors below 17 years, so we can only train them on Saturdays and Sundays when they are off school. For the seniors, training runs from Monday through Friday,” said Omondi.
He added that the senior athletes are also preparing for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled for July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow.
Omondi has selected four women and three men for the championships in Ismailia. The women’s team will be led by Janet Oduor in the 48kg category, alongside Mercy Kerubo (63kg), Rachel Enock (77kg), and Juliana Anyango (85kg).
The men’s team includes Joshua Amunga (60kg), Ian Okinyi (65kg), and Frank Atete (85kg).
Omondi emphasized that the senior championship will bring together top athletes from across the continent competing for continental honours. He also noted that the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar will be historic, marking the first time an Olympic event is held in Africa, and said Kenyan athletes are determined not to miss the opportunity to compete.