AK picks 46 for World Under-20 Championships

AK picks 46 for World Under-20 Championships

Athletics Kenya has picked 46 athletes to represent the country at the World Under-20 Championships that will be held on August 17-22 in Nairobi.

The naming of the team was the culmination of a three-day trials that concluded on Saturday at the Kasarani Stadium.

The team of 24 men and 22 women will report to residential training camp on July 15.

Being the final day of the event, a thrilling encounter was witnessed in an almost empty Kasarani Stadium.

Bernard Yegon and Daniel Kinyanjui, both from South Rift, will lead Kenya’s charge in the men’s 3000m.

Yegon won the race in 7:55.01 ahead of Kinyanjui who clocked 7:55.96

“I feel great I won today’s race. I have ben training hard to earn a slot in Team Kenya. I am optimistic I will perform well during the championship,” said Yegon.

Japan-based Teresia Muthoni and Zena Jemutai will fly Kenyan flag in the corresponding women’s race.

“I am very glad with my time and I am now going to improve on speed as we head to the championship,” said Muthoni.

Just like in the semi finals, Muthoni claimed victory after clocking 8:51.69 with Jemutai finishing second in 8:55.75.

Elkanah Kiprotich and Edwin Kipyegon made the cut in the 400m race. Kiprotich who is based in Ngong won the race in 47.22.

“I know the competition will be tough especially in sprints but I promise Kenyans to do my best for a podium finish,” said Kiprotich.

Vincent Keter dominated the men’s 1500m clocking 3:38.85 ahead of Emmanuel Lemama who settled for second in 3:42.05 to also make the cut.

In the corresponding women’s race, Purity Chepkirui led from gun to tape clinching victory in 4:10.39, beating Winnie Jemutai (4:17.55) to second spot.

Noah Kibet was the hero in the men’s 800 claiming victory in 1:45.45 followed by Emmanuel Wanyonyo who clocked 1:45.81.

In the women’s event, Sheila Chepkosgei reigned supreme in 2:03.76 as Brenda Jebet finished second in 2:05.08.

Levi Kibet won the men’s 5,000m in 13:39.58 with Benson Kiplangat coming home second in 13:40.41.

In the 3,000m steeplechase, Jackline Cherotich (9:32.99) and Faith Cherotich (9:33.02) made the cut while Simon Koech (8:18.43) and Amos Serem (8:20.26) makes the men’s team.

The event was graced by Sports Chief Administrative Secretary Simon Kachapin who hailed the athletes who made the team and promised government’s support in their preparations.

“I am very satisfied with the preparations for the global event and on behalf of the entire ministry, I would like to congratulate all athletes who were selected to represent the country and wish the very best ahead of the championships,” said Kachapin.

Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei urged the athletes to train hard ahead of the global showpiece.

“We are confident we have selected a very strong team that will defend the title we won three years ago. However, I want to urge athletes to prepare adequately since any Championships is not easy,” said Tuwei

Kenya emerged the overall winner at the 2018 World Under-20 Championships held in Tampere, Finland with 11 medals; six gold, four silver and a bronze, and will be aiming to better this record.

Full Team

Men

High Jump: Sid Markus

Discus : Titus Kiptoo

High Jump: Dennis Maina

Shot Put: Dominic Kiprotich

Javelin: Wilson Letunyie

10,000m walk  Harrington Wanyonyi

400m H: Peter Kithome, Allocious Kipngetich

110m H: Patrick Muindi

3000m: Bernard Kibet, Daniel Kinyanjui

100m: Sylvester Simiyu

400m: Elkanah Kiprotich, Edwin Kipyegon

1500m:  Vincent Keter, Emmanuel Lemama

200m: Jonathan Muasya

5,000m: Levi Kibet, Benson Kiplangat

800m: Noah Kibet, Emmanuel Wanyonyi

3000m S/C: Simon Kiprop, Amos Serem

Women

High Jump: Zeddy Chesire

Discus Linda: Kageha

Javelin:  Martha Musaai

Triple Jump: Fatuma Winny

Long Jump: Zeddy Chesire

Shot Put: Maureen Milka

10,000m walk: Margaret Gati

400m H:Agnes Ngumbi

100m H: Agnes Ngumbi

5,000m: Maurine Cherotich, Zena Jeptoo

100m: Mercy Chebet

400m: Sylvia Chelangat

3000m Teresia Muthoni, Zena Jemutai

1500m: Purity Chepkurui, Winny Jemutai

200m: Louise Morara

800m: Sheila Chepkosgei, Brenda Chebet

3000m S/C: Jackline Chepkoech, Faith Cherotich

 

Tags:

Athletics Kenya World Under-20 Championships Kasarani National Trials 46 athletes

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