Veteran sprint coach Jeff Mwaniki believes Nairobi’s high altitude could provide the perfect stage for some of the world’s fastest sprinters to produce blistering times, when Kenya hosts the 2029 World Athletics Championships.Nairobi sits approximately 1,600 to 1,795 metres above sea level, an elevation that presents unique conditions for athletes competing in explosive events such as the 100m and 200m.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsWhile altitude is often associated with endurance training, Mwaniki believes the thinner air in Nairobi could work in favour of sprinters, when the world’s best descend on the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.At higher altitude, the air is less dense than at sea level, meaning there are fewer air molecules creating resistance against a sprinter as they accelerate down the track.That reduction in aerodynamic drag can allow athletes to maintain their top-end speed more easily, potentially contributing to faster sprint times.##NAJAVA_MECA_9984752##“For the athletes who train at sea level, especially sprinters from countries like the USA and Jamaica, coming to Nairobi’s high altitude will be good for them. We will definitely see very fast times in the sprint races,” Mwaniki told The Star.Nairobi has already provided a glimpse of what could be possible in 2029.At the 2021 Kip Keino Classic at Kasarani, Ferdinand Omanyala exploded to an African 100m record of 9.77 seconds, finishing second behind American Trayvon Bromell, who won in 9.76.A year later, Jamaican sprint icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce also produced a stunning performance at the same venue, clocking 10.67 in the women's 100m.Omanyala returns to former school to launch sprints clubThe mark was the fastest season opener ever by a woman at the time, and remains Kenya’s all-comers’ record.The trend continued this year at Nyayo Stadium, when Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas stormed to a world-leading 21.89.Thomas’ performance was a meeting record, made her the first woman to break 22 seconds in Kenya, and was the fastest 200m ever recorded on African soil.With such performances already having been produced in Nairobi, Mwaniki believes the 2029 World Championships could provide an even bigger platform for history to be made.Omanyala on significance of Kenya hosting the 2029 World ChampionshipsHowever, he also wants Kenya to take advantage of the three-year build-up to prepare its own sprinters for the demands of competing against the world's best.According to Mwaniki, Kenyan sprinters should spend more time training at sea level, where conditions are closer to those experienced by many of their international rivals.“The lower air resistance allows athletes to maintain greater top-end speed, making fast tracks at altitude renowned for producing exceptional sprint performances. The necessary authorities should ensure our athletes pitch camp in areas like Mombasa or the Western regions such as Siaya. If they can train at sea level, there is no doubt their performances will be top class when competition time comes,” he said.Eliud Kipchoge’s course record under threat in BerlinThe proposal would expose Kenyan sprinters to different environmental conditions, while allowing them to prepare specifically for the international circuit.Mwaniki believes the strategy could help Kenya maximise the home advantage in 2029, with the ultimate objective being to challenge for medals rather than simply produce competitive performances.“We have to ensure those medals remain at home,” he said.##NAJAVA_MECA_9985188##The coach also believes Kenya should use the next two major global championships as important measuring points for its sprint programme.The 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing and the 2028 Olympic Games will provide Kenyan sprinters with opportunities to test themselves against the world's elite before the global championships arrive on home soil.Agnes Jebet sets sights on elusive medal after stellar 2026 season“The 2027 Beijing Championships and the 2028 Olympics are a good place for us to see where we are in matters of sprints. Those two championships will be key to sharpening our sprinters before we come home for the 2029 World Championships,” he concluded.