Kipsang, Simiu highlight Team Kenya for Africa Championships

World Indoor 1500m bronze medallist Abel Kipsang and Olympian Daniel Simiu headline Kenya’s team for the Africa Senior Athletics Championships slated for June 8-12 in Reduit, Mauritius.

Athletics Kenya on Thursday evening named a team of 41 athletes that will represent the country at continental events as curtains came down on a three-day National Athletics Championships at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

In the event that doubled as trials for the Africa Championships, Kipsang was the hero in the men’s 1500m when he destroyed a deep field to win the race in 3:36.17 ahead of Kumari Taki who finished second in 3:36.39 also earning a ticket at the championships.

“I am grateful for the win. I have won all my races at this championship from the heats and today in the finals. My target is to win a medal at the Africa Championships,” said Kipsang.

World Under-20 champion Purity Chepkirui reigned supreme in the women’s race when she clocked 4:10.38 edging the reigning Africa champion Winnie Chebet who finished second in 4:10.44

Daniel Simiu continued his fine form after he stormed to victory in the men’s 5000m. He clocked 13:23.17 ahead of youngster Ismael Kirui who settled for second in 13:26.98

“I think this is my year. I feel I am in the right shape and I hope I can make it to the podium in Mauritius that is my target and I know I can achieve it,” said Simiu.

Noah Kibet blasted to victory in the men’s 800m after seeing off an experienced field to win the race in 1:46.75

FULL TEAM

100m women

Maximilla Imali

Monica Safania

100m men

Ferdinand Omanyala

Hesbon Ochieng

100m hurdles women

Priscilla Tabunda

Rukia Nusra

110m hurdles men

Wiseman Were

Michael Musyoki

200m men

Ferdinand Omanyala

Dan Kiviasi

200m women

Maximilla Imali

Millicent Ndoro

400m women

Veronica Mutua

Jacinta Shikanda

400m men

Collins Omae

William Rayian

400m hurdles women

Jane Chege

Diana Chebet

400m hurdles men

Wiseman Were

William Mbevi

800m women

Jarinter Mawia

Naomi Korir

800m men

Noah Kibet

Nicholas Kebenei

1500m women

Purity Chepkirui

Winnie Chebet

1500m men

Abel Kipsang

Kumari Taki

3000m SC women

Jackline Chepkoech

Cellphine Chespol

3000m SC men

Abraham Kibiwott

Geofrey Kirwa

5000m women

Beatrice Chebet

Caroline Nyaga

5000m men

Daniel Simiu

Ismael Kirui

10,000m women

Alice Aprot

Judy Komen

10,000m men

Kenneth Kiprop

Julius Chepkwony

20km Walk race men

Samuel Gathimba

Heristone Wanyonyi

20km Walk race women

Sylvia kemboi

Emily Ngii

Team manager- Ainsworth Maragara