Coming from a country renowned for producing world beaters in middle- and long-distance races, St Jago High’s captain Ryan Achua didn’t take athletics seriously until the decision was taken to hone his skills in Jamaica, regarded by some as the sprint capital of the world.

The 17-year-old, who hails from Baringo County in Kenya, said he is combining the speed he has learnt in Jamaica with the stamina yielded from his time training in the scenic Great Rift Valley, hopefully to huge success.

“I am here to learn the craft. I think it’s the same principle, just that the Jamaicans are good at sprinting. When I came here, I improved on my sprinting power and the techniques,” Achua told the Jamaica Observer.

“Back in Kenya, I had the talent. I could run, but it’s not the same intensity as here. I was more focused on my schoolwork alone, but now I am doing both of them,” he explained.

Achua is the big favourite to win the Class One 1,500m and 5,000 Open at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships at the National Stadium. On Tuesday he cruised to the final of the 1,500m, easing home in 4:14.26. It’s a far cry from his personal best of 3:49.73.

Last year, Achua ran a tactically bad race in the final and was fourth in 4:00.01 after he went out too fast and paid the price. This time around he is more mature and has greater understanding of what is required.

“That was a slight mistake. I was chasing records back then, which means there were some things I didn’t consider. Like this is a championship. But now I’m focusing more on winning and then record second,” he said.

“That is just my natural development. Individual development and I think losing, is also part of the game. So, if I get a record, I’ll be okay. But if I don’t get it, I’ll also be okay. I don’t worry about the time anymore,” he added.

His maturity has seen him elevated to team captain of St Jago. The Spanish Town, St Catherine-based school’s boys’ team was fourth in 2025, and is looking to sneak into the top three this season.

“It’s a great feeling because it’s not my first time being a leader. I have been a leader since primary school. I don’t chase leadership. It follows me,” Achua noted.

“This is a championship and I need to win points for my school. I also have the responsibility to lead as an example, to show my teammates and encourage them,” he said.

Though Brian Kiprop is not around, Achua will still need to be at his best to repel the challenges of Joel Morgan (Edwin Allen High), Dujhaunti Lewis (Calabar High) and fellow Kenyan Nashahon Ruto (Kingston College).