Kenyan Achau has sights on ‘special season’ for St Jago in 2025

African athletes have done very well in recent years at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships, with Kingston College dominating middle- and long-distance events for several years with runners born in Kenya. Last year Kenyans Brian Kiprop and Ethan Gioko claimed a one-two finish in the Class One boys’ 1500 metres.

Next year the African athlete to watch is 17-year-old Kenyan Bryan Achau of St Jago High School. His early performances have hinted that he could be the best African athlete to compete at the championships.

Achau, who was a spectator last year, has showcased his potential with impressive wins on local soil in the latter part of this year. At the Reggae Marathon in Negril, he dominated the 10K, clocking 32:53 while winning by almost four minutes. At the Wesley Powell Benjamin Track and Field Meet last Saturday, he stunned fans in the 5000m, leading from start to finish to win by more than 150 metres in 15:40.78.

“This is only the start of what could be a special season for me,” said Achau. “I am not surprised by my win and the margin as I have a great programme, and greater things will come. I thank the St Jago family for embracing me, especially my coach Davon Spence who ensures I am well taken care of. I just want them to cheer me on, and I will not let them down.”

Spence, a former St Jago athlete, is optimistic about Achau’s potential.

“He is a very special athlete, and I feel proud to work with him. We are definitely eyeing the Class One 1500m record,” he said. “Champs is four months away but he is on the right track, and great things are expected.”

The 1500m record, set by Bellefield High’s Kemoy Campbell in 2010, stands at 3:45.54. Campbell set the 5000m record of 14:18.55 in the same year.