The Kenyan Margaret Wambui Nyairera,specialist of the 800 m, reconverts in spite of it to the 200 m. Indeed, the bronze medallist of the 800 m in Rio is also victim of the new rule on hyperandrogeny. World Athletics now requires female athletes to lower their high testosterone levels. Specifically, the natural level must no longer exceed 5 nanomoles per liter of blood. A requirement to be eligible for middle-distance races. This had then plunged Margaret Nyairera into a long period of inactivity. Psychologically challenging.
"Not being able to run because of the problem I had with the IAAF and the Covid-19 period was quite stressful for me," she regrets. I'm just happy to be back running after a long time". But after her recent setbacks in the 800m, she now wants to try her hand at the 200m. And is seriously considering success. I hope I can win more medals in this category of racing on top of the ones I won in the 800m," said Margaret Wambui Nyairera. However, I know it won't be easy because there are experienced runners".
Margaret Wambui (Rio 2016)
Relay series to raise its standards
Margaret Nyairera has not been able to compete since 2019. But she is not alone in this situation. Curiously, the entire 2016 women's Olympic podium is under this measure. It is the South African Caster Semenya, champion, and her runner-up, Franscine Niyonsaba from Burundi. Nevertheless, Margaret Nyairera now wants to turn the page. And, thanks to the Athletics Kenya relay series, which began on January 9 in Nairobi, she is fine-tuning her form.
Podium de Rio : Niyonsaba, Semenya et Wambui
She finished fourth in Series 1 of the women's 200. An event won by Doreen Waka in 25''62. "I'm not so concerned about the results today but I'm grateful to AK for rolling out this calendar so that we can compete again. Today's race provided me with a platform to train hard because I now know my fitness level," said the Commonwealth Games silver medallist.
Present Saturday at the 2nd meeting at the national stadium of Nyayo, Wambui will use relays to raise its standards. Before the World Relay Championships and the 2021 Olympics. The third leg will be held on February 6, at the same location.
Amina SOGUI
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