Kenya’s Clinton Qwatinya etched his name into the history books on Thursday night, becoming the first Kenyan ever to win gold in the men’s U20 100m event at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U18/U20 Championships, held at the newly upgraded MKO Abiola Stadium in Kuto, Abeokuta.
Owatinya stormed to victory in a time of 10.42 seconds, beating a highly competitive field that included South Africa’s Letebele Karabo, who finished second, and Nigeria’s John Caleb, who claimed the bronze medal.
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The historic win marks a significant shift for Kenyan athletics, traditionally known for long-distance dominance, now stepping confidently onto the sprinting stage.
Speaking after his triumphant race, Clinton Owatinya was full of pride and gratitude.
“I feel great that I have brought a medal back home, and proving to Africa that Kenyans are coming really fast in the sprints,” he said. “It’s really nice since I started with a personal best in the semi-finals. I thank the Lord for that. In the finals, even though I couldn’t beat my personal best, I still thank the Lord that I brought this medal home.”
He acknowledged the stiff competition from fellow African sprinters, particularly from South Africa and Nigeria.
“The other athletes really pushed. The South Africans are another sprinting powerhouse, and Nigeria tried too, but it was not enough to stop Kenya,” he said boldly. “We’ve proven again that Kenya is the pride of African athletics.”
With this breakthrough, Owatinya is already setting his sights on bigger goals. He expressed confidence that Thursday’s win is just the beginning of a promising international sprint career.
“In the next two or three years, I see myself at the Olympics,” he said. “And when I get there, I’ll do everything I can to prove to the world that Kenya is the pride of African athletics.”
The 2025 CAA U18/U20 Championships continues in Abeokuta, with emerging talents across the continent making bold statements for the future of African athletics
