Kipyegon, Chebet and Wanyonyi to headline Kenya's team to Tokyo

Athletics Kenya picked a strong 58-member squad during the trials held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Tuesday, and the athletics governing body believes Kenya has assembled the best arsenal for the September 13-21 event.

The Kenyan contingent will be keen to increase the 2023 edition medal tally after garnering 11 medals —five gold, two silver, and four bronze —finishing second behind the United States in the overall standings in Oregon.

One of the standout moments during the one-day trials came from the women’s 4x400m relay team, which shattered the national record with a new time of 3 minutes 27.50 seconds.

The quartet of Esther Mbagari, Mercy Adongo, Lanoline Aoko, and World 800m champion Mary Moraa shaved off the previous mark of 3 minutes 28.02 seconds by 1.48 seconds.

In-form Olympic 3,000m steeplechase bronze medallist Faith Cherotich, who attained the qualification mark during last year’s Paris Olympics, expressed optimism she will conquer Tokyo in her first World Championship appearance.

“I’ll go back to the drawing board with my coach so as to even better my performance in Tokyo,” she said after winning her race.

Cherotich will fly the Kenyan flag in the Japanese capital alongside Doris Lemngole and Pamela Koskei.

Triple Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon, who had already secured qualification and did not compete in the trials, remains confident in Kenya’s prospects.

“This is a solid team,” she said. “I am healthy and the selected squad has what it takes, and we’ll do everything possible to bring the medals home.”

Kipyegon, who is going for a fifth world title in Tokyo, is fresh from smashing her own world record in 1500m after winning the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon on July 5 with a time of 3:48.68, improving her own previous record of 3:49.11.

The world mile record holder will reprise her rivalry with reigning world 5000m record holder Beatrice Chebet in the 12.5-lap race as she eyes to defend the title she won in Oregon where she doubled in 1500m and 5000m.

In the men’s 1500m category, former World U-20 champion Reynold Cheruiyot admitted he competed with a nagging injury but still won ahead of former world champion Timothy Cheruiyot.

The duo will represent the country alongside 18-year-old sensation Phanuel Kipkosgei, who attained the qualification time last weekend following his masterclass run to win the London Diamond League with a new meeting record of 3:28.82.

“I was dealing with a waist injury,” said 20-year-old Cheruiyot. “But with the slower pace, I felt I could manage and make my kick in the final 100 meters. I’m proud to have made it despite the setback.”

In the men’s steeplechase, former World U20 champion Edmund Serem took top honours, with Simon Koech and Abraham Kibiwot joining him.

Kenya’s athletics team for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo currently has 58 qualified athletes, with eight more eyeing spots.

Four, including Cornelius Kemboi (5000m) and Irene Jepkemboi (Javelin), are awaiting the qualification window to close, hoping their recent performances meet the final standards.

Another quartet of Alex Ngeno (800m), Brian Komen (1500m), Celestine Biwott (3000m steeplechase) and Geoffrey Kipkemoi (3000m steeplechase) are strong contenders for Diamond League world cards based on their elite times.

If all eight secure slots, Kenya’s final squad could grow to 66, boosting hopes of surpassing their 2023 medal haul.