Kenya’s athletics prodigy Jane Waweru Wangari has shone brightly in the United States, less than two weeks after making history as the first Kenyan student-athlete to join a U.S. high school through Townhall Athletics.
The 14-year-old, who stunned fans last year when she ran barefoot in the 5,000m at the 2024 All Africa Games trials at Nyayo Stadium, stormed to victory in her first U.S. high school cross country race in Atlanta, Georgia.
She clocked an impressive 17:34.28, finishing far ahead of the field and instantly putting herself on the radar of American athletics coaches and scouts.
Wangari’s September transfer to a Georgia high school was confirmed by Townhall Athletics, an organization linking African talent to U.S. institutions.
The move marked a major milestone in Kenya’s athletics pipeline, which traditionally sees athletes gain international exposure much later in their careers.
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Earlier this year, Wangari became the first Kenyan to win the ISF World Cross Country U15 title at Ngong Racecourse, cementing her reputation as one of the country’s brightest prospects.
Townhall Athletics officials said Wangari’s transfer represents a deliberate effort to give Kenya’s junior athletes early exposure to high-level competition, education, and sports.
“Jane’s move marks a new era for student-athletes from Kenya. It’s about creating opportunities for both academic and athletic excellence,” a spokesperson said.
Athletics analysts say Wangari’s relocation could influence how future Kenyan talents are developed.
“This is an important step for Kenyan junior athletes. Early exposure to international training and competition can raise standards back home,” said a local coach.
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Kenya has a long history of producing world-class runners, but most have joined international training programmes later in their careers.
Wangari’s relocation at age 14 represents a significant shift, blending education with elite training much earlier.
From Nakuru to Georgia, Wangari is flying the Kenyan flag high and inspiring other young athletes.
Those close to her say she intends to represent Kenya in upcoming global events, with long-term ambitions of competing in the Olympics.
Her blistering U.S. debut has been hailed as a breakthrough for Townhall Athletics and a signal to other promising young athletes that pathways to international training and education are widening.
Kenyan athletics officials expressed hope that Wangari’s success will open more opportunities for youth athletes nationwide.
By our reporter
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