Nairobi (AFP)
Forty-five Kenyan athletes, including 1,500-meter queen Faith Kipyegon, and four other champions will compete at the World Athletics Championships in Doha (27 September-6 October), the Kenyan federation announced on Friday.
Faith Kipyegon, world and Olympic champion in the 1500m, made a winning comeback by winning the selections after a two-year break. "I thank God for allowing me to come back even stronger after my maternity leave, and today (Thursday), I am able to win the race and qualify for the Worlds," responded the young mother.
In addition to Faith Kipyegon, four other Kenyans crowned in London in 2017 are in the selection including Hellen Obiri (5000 m) who will also compete in the 10,000 m, and Elijah Manangoi (1500 m gentlemen).
Timothy Cheruiyot, Manangoi's runner-up in London, flew over the 1,500-meter selection, following his victory in the Diamond League.
The Kenyan selection in Doha:
GENTLEMEN
400 m: Alphas Kishoyian, Emmanuel Korir
800 m: Ngeno Kipngetich, Emmanuel Korir, Ferguson Rotich
1500 m: Elijah Manangoi, Timothy Cheruiyot, Ronald Kwemoi, George Meitamei Manangoi
5000 m: Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli
10.000 m: Kipruto Rhonex, Rodgers Kwemoi, Alex Oloitiptip Korio
3000 m steeple: Conseslus Kipruto, Leonard Bett, Benjamin Kigen, Abraham Kibiwott
20 km walk: Samuel Gathimba
Marathon: Geoffrey Kirui, Kipruto Amos, Paul Lonyangata, Laban Korir
LADIES
400 m: Hellen Syombua, Mary Moraa
800 m: Eunice Sum, Jackline Wambui
1500 m: Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon, Winny Chebet
5000 m: Hellen Obiri, Lilian Kasait, Margaret Chelimo
10,000 m: Agnes Tirop, Hellen Obiri, Rosemary Wanjiru
3000m steeple: Beatrice Chepkoech, Hyvin Kiyeng, Celliphine Chespol, Fancy Cherono
Marathon: Edna Kiplagat, Ruth Chepngetich, Visiline Jepkesho
20 km walk: Grace Wanjiru
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