Athletics Kenya’s Growth Plate Monitoring Prevents 47 Stress Fractures in Juniors

Athletics Kenya’s Growth Plate Monitoring Program (News #268, #298) prevented 47 confirmed stress fractures among U-16 sprinters and jumpers in its first year, according to a medical audit released November 26, 2025. By adjusting training loads based on ultrasound scans, biomechanics, and puberty stage, injury rates fell from 18.3% to 5.1%. We stopped treating kids like small adults—and started nurturing future champions, said Dr. Peter Kamau. The program is now mandatory for all AK-registered youth academies. World Athletics will pilot it at the 2026 World U20 Championships in Lima.