Team Kenya's future in strength sports looks brighter than ever after a spectacular nine-medal haul in weightlifting at the Africa Youth Championship in Angola this week. Young lifters have powerfully announced their arrival on the continental stage, challenging the nation's traditional reliance on track and field for glory.

This triumphant performance is a crucial building block for Kenya's sporting future, offering a glimpse of a more diverse and formidable presence at international competitions. These games in Luanda are a key proving ground for athletes aiming for the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal.

A New Generation Makes Its Mark

Leading the charge was the fast-rising Lilian Amanda, who delivered a stunning hat-trick of medals in the 48kg category. In a remarkable display of skill and determination, she secured two silver medals and one bronze, cementing her status as one of the continent's most promising young talents. Her success follows a strong showing at the 2024 Africa Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championship held in Nairobi, where she won six silver medals.

The men were not left behind, contributing significantly to the medal tally. The team's success was bolstered by impressive performances from:

• Ian Okinyi (60kg): Claimed three silver medals with powerful lifts.
• Ace Hood Waiyaki (56kg): Muscled his way to three bronze medals.

These victories in weightlifting are part of a wider, encouraging performance by Team Kenya, which has seen success in disciplines like karate, taekwondo, and boxing. As of Thursday, the nation's overall medal count at the games had risen to 23, comprising four gold, seven silver, and 12 bronze medals.

Building for a Diversified Future

The success in Luanda is seen by coaches as a vital lesson ahead of the upcoming Youth Olympics. It underscores a strategic shift towards nurturing talent across a broader spectrum of sports, ensuring Kenya's flag is flown high in more than just long-distance running. The performance of these young lifters provides tangible proof that investment in diverse sports can yield significant returns on the international stage.

For athletes like Amanda, the achievement is not the final destination but a stepping stone. The teenage sensation has already set her sights higher. "I'm targeting the gold now in the next championship," she noted, emphasizing her Olympic ambitions. "I'm really waiting to be a medalist at the Youth Olympics and together with my coach we're working hard to achieve that."