Some of Africa's great track and field stars expect the decision to award Kenya the 2029 World Athletics Championships to inspire the next generation.

Janeth Jepkosgei, who won the women's 800m title at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, thinks the "really exciting" decision will inspire the next generation of athletes. "It means a lot for the youth and the juniors because it makes the dream really big," she said. Jepkosgei, now a coach, says aspiring stars have a firm target: winning at home. "We have been dreaming with these young ones, setting their goals," she said. "This is where the young ones we have now can showcase their talent."

Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala, the African 100m record holder, was inspired by Nairobi hosting the 2017 Under-18 World Championships. The 30-year-old expects the 2029 event to give a "big boost" to current and future athletes. "They're going to see all these stars coming into the country and they'll be having this chance to watch them warm up and compete. That will be a huge motivation," he said.

Africa will stage several big events, including the Youth Olympics in Dakar from 31 October to 13 November. Yego feels the landmark of seeing athletics' flagship competition on African soil should give the continent belief. "As Africans, we need to think big and plan ahead and think 'Yes, it is possible for Africa to host a championship like the World Championships'," he said. Gebrselassie added, "If Nairobi can host this championship, why not Addis Ababa? Why not Lagos or South Africa, Uganda, Rwanda?"