Athletics Kenya (AK) has named a formidable 58-athlete team to represent the nation at this year’s World Championships in Tokyo.
Speaking after the unveiling, AK President Lt Gen (Rtd) Jack Tuwei expressed his well wishes and confidence in another significant medal haul for Kenya at the global competition.
“I want to wish them well and believe they will do the country proud at the World Championships. This is a team of champions… selected today… based on the tough competition that was witnessed,” the president stated.
The robust team was meticulously selected following a thrilling day of national trials held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Tuesday.
Over 150 athletes participated, with the top two finishers in each discipline earning automatic qualification, while a third athlete was chosen by a dedicated selection panel.
Top names to watch in Tokyo include triple Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon, double Olympic (5000m and 10,000m) champion Beatrice Chebet, Olympic 3000m steeplechase bronze medalist Faith Cherotich, and Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, among others.
Lt Gen (Rtd) Tuwei announced that the selected team will immediately commence residential training at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.
This strategic move has been necessitated by the upcoming African Nations Championships (CHAN), which will be held across all venues in Nairobi from August 2-30.
“From here, the team will immediately start training at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret. We have done this so as not to waste any time but begin preparations as we wait for CHAN to continue. Once it is over (CHAN), we will bring the team back to Nairobi for final preparations before they head to Tokyo,” he explained.
The AK president also acknowledged the crucial support from various sponsors, including New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC), Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), and Betika.
“We are very grateful to our sponsor for the support they have given us. Remember in October last year, we came up with the ‘Road to Tokyo’ plan… These trials is part of that Road to Tokyo. Our partners have been crucial to its success and we are looking for more,” Lt Gen (Rtd) Tuwei said.
Echoing these sentiments, the chief guest of the day, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, remarked that the fierce competition witnessed at the trials is a clear precursor of what is to be expected in Tokyo.
“This year’s national trials and the competition witnessed at this event gives us hope that we are in for a medal harvest, come September in Tokyo. A huge congratulations to all the athletes who have been selected in the team,” Mvurya stated.
The CS assured the team of the government’s full support as they embark on their intensive training. “You can be sure of the government’s full support as you embark on preparations as well as the support of all Kenyans who have never tired of cheering you in the stadiums and on televisions.
As government, we are also thankful to the different corporates who have worked with AK to make this event a success,” he added.
