National 400m champion George Mutinda believes his statement victory at the third Athletics Kenya weekend meeting in Kapsabet was more than just another win — it was a clear declaration of intent ahead of a busy 2026 season.
The 24-year-old dominated the race at the Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex on Saturday, storming to victory in 45.5 seconds while holding off Allan Kipyego (45.8) and Kelvin Tonui (46.8).
In a race packed with quality, Mutinda remained in control throughout, surging off the bend and powering down the home straight with authority.
Having laid down an early-season marker, Mutinda is confident about what lies ahead.
“That performance shows greater things are coming this season. I am not playing around this year,” Mutinda told the Star.
Reflecting on the Kapsabet showdown, he acknowledged the stiff competition but was pleased with the outcome.
“The race was very competitive, but I pushed myself and I am happy with the win,” he said.
Mutinda heads into the new season encouraged by his maiden appearance at the World Championships in Tokyo last September.
He competed in the 400m alongside Kelvin Kipkorir and Brian Tinega, testing himself against the world’s best.
All three bowed out in the heats, with Mutinda clocking 45.07 to finish fifth in heat six.
Despite the early exit, he was Kenya’s best performer, posting the fastest time among the trio ahead of Kipkorir’s 45.39 and Tinega’s 45.13.
Mutinda also featured in Kenya’s 4x400m relay team alongside David Sanayek, Dennis Masika and Kipkorir.
The team narrowly missed a place in the final after finishing fourth in their heat in 3:00.76.
Mutinda says the experience in Tokyo ignited a new level of motivation.
“Last year, I wanted to see what I could do on the global stage in Tokyo. That exposure showed me I am capable of much more,” he said.
“I met great athletes I used to admire when I was young and that gave me the desire to be like them.”
His focus now is on unlocking his full potential.
“This year I’m doing everything I didn’t do last year because I now understand that things are possible if I push myself to my full potential,” he said.
One of his main targets is to represent Kenya again, this time at the continental level.
“The big target at the moment is the African Championships. That is what I am aiming for,” he said.
Mutinda is also chasing faster times this season.
“This year I want to run 43 seconds. I believe it’s a mark I am capable of achieving.”
His personal best stands at 44.51, set when he won the national title on June 27.
by TEDDY MULEI
