Were targets another double hurdles triumph at AK National Championships
By Joel Masibo, June 18, 2026Kenyan hurdler Wiseman Were is aiming to produce impressive performances at the Athletics Kenya National Championships and Commonwealth Games Trials, scheduled for Thursday, June 18 to Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Nyayo National Stadium.
The 2022 African Championships bronze medallist in the 400m hurdles enters the competition as the reigning champion in both the men’s 400m hurdles and 110m hurdles. His objective is not only to retain both crowns but also to secure qualification for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
At last year’s championships, Were claimed victory in the 110m hurdles after crossing the finish line in 14.11 seconds, finishing ahead of William Mutunga, who posted 14.78, and Godwin Odhiambo, who clocked 15.50. He later completed a successful double by winning the 400m hurdles in 49.29 seconds, beating Kipkorir Rotich (49.66) and Peter Muthoka (50.97).
The 29-year-old has once again registered for both hurdle disciplines, setting himself up for another demanding campaign at the national event.
With places on Kenya’s Commonwealth Games team at stake, Were says his priority is achieving strong times.
Were sets target
“I am looking forward to delivering a fast time because I believe in my training and what I have been doing,” Were told Athletics Kenya.
“With a positive mindset, it’s going to happen.”
The experienced athlete is confident he can better his personal best of 48.27 seconds, which he achieved during last year’s World Championships in Tokyo.
“At the moment, I know my body is moving well. I have done a personal best of 48.2,” he said.
“I have worked on my speed and technique, so with the right frame of mind at the trials, I believe I can post a better time.”
Were is also determined to earn a return ticket to the Commonwealth Games and improve on his showing at the 2022 edition in Birmingham. There, he narrowly missed out on a medal in the men’s 400m hurdles, finishing fourth in 50.27 seconds.
The race was won by Kyron McMaster in 48.93, while Jamaica’s Jaheel Hyde secured silver with 49.78. Britain’s Alastair Chalmers completed the podium after clocking 49.97.
Although he fell short of an individual medal, Were still left Birmingham with bronze after teaming up with Mike Mokamba, Boniface Mweresa and William Rayian in the men’s 4x400m relay. The Kenyan quartet finished third in 3:02.41, behind Trinidad and Tobago (3:01.29) and Botswana (3:01.85).
Facing opposition
However, defending his national titles this year is expected to be far from easy.
Kipkorir Rotich, who finished second behind Were in the 400m hurdles at the previous championships, is among the leading contenders. The 28-year-old recently represented Kenya at the African Senior Championships, where he placed eighth in the 400m hurdles final.
Rotich has also entered the 110m hurdles and is likely to feature in both the men’s and mixed 4x400m relay squads.
Other athletes expected to challenge for top honours include Edward Ngunjiri and William Mutunga, setting up what promises to be highly competitive hurdle races at Nyayo National Stadium.