Kenya selects 55 for Daegu and 99 for Maputo 2011
By Leila Gichinga … | 17 July 2011 - 7:27pm
Kenyan Team
Athletics Kenya (AK) has named a strong squad of 55 athletes for the 13th IAAF World Championships, Daegu, Korea (Aug 27 - Sep 4) and another team of 99 athletes for the 10th All-Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique (September 3-18) after the conclusion of the National Bank of Kenya National Athletics Championships held in Nairobi on Saturday.
The World 800m record-holder, David Lekuta Rudisha, Vivian Cheruiyot, Ezekiel Kemboi and other stars were all included in the Daegu team, which will seek to improve on the third place the country finished at the last championship in Berlin 2009.
The highlights of the final day of the championships on Satuday include Silas Kiplagat clocking a world lead 3:31.39 in the men’s 1500m ahead of Olympic champion Asbel Kiprop (3:32.26) and Daniel Kipchirchir Komen (3:32.47).
In fourth place was Collins Cheboi (3:33.94) ahead of Nixon Chepseba (3:33.96).
Olympic champion Brimin Kipruto clocked 8:20.19 ahead of Richard Mateelong (8:21.39) and Abraham Chirchir (8:22.34) to win the men’s steeplechase title (world champion Ezekiel Kemboi was not forced to run).
In the men’s 5000m, Junior Isaiah Koech won in 13:21.31 ahead of Thomas Longosiwa (13:22.89) and former world champion Eliud Kipchoge (13:23.48).
Anderson Mureta won the 400m in 45.70 and was also the best in the 200m (21.07).
Janeth Jepkosgei won the women’s 800m in 1:59.34 ahead of Eunice Sum (1:59.66) and Cherono Koech (1:59.68).
Sylvia Kibet was the best in the 5000m in 15:38.5 ahead of Linet Masai (15:40.5) and Mercy Cherono (15:42.4).
Helen Obiri was the surprise 1500m winner in 4:08.68 ahead of Joyce Chepkirui (4:08.80) and Olympic winner Nancy Langat (4:08.90).
Diamond race leader Milcah Chemos clocked 9:32.0 to win the women’s steeplechase over Lydia Rotich (9:32.2) and Mercy Njoroge (9:34.0).
Crucial for Rudisha
World record holder David Rudisha impressed with 1:43.76 win at 800m beating Jackson Kivuva (1:44.40) and 2007 World champ Alfred Kirwa Yego (1:44.76). Fourth Job Kinyor (1:45.07) ahead of World junior champion David Mutua (1:45.55).
“It was crucial; for me to make the team to Daegu. I still have one race in Monaco and then I will head back home to immerse myself in training hoping that I will emerge stronger at the world championships,” said Rudisha.
However, some big names failed to make the team. These include: World Indoor 1,500m champion Haron Keitany, Olympic 3,000m steeplechase silver medallist Eunice Jepkorir, Daniel Kipchirchir Komen, Paul Kipsiele Koech and the former World indoor 1,500m silver medallist.
Vivian Cheruiyot and Linet Masai will double in Daegu in both the 5000m and 10,000m. The team will start its training on July 25, 2011 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The Daegu team:
Men
* Vincent Kiplagat Kosgei (400m Hurdles)
* David Rudisha, Jackson Kivuva, Alfred Kirwa Yego (800m)
* Silas Kiplagat, Asbel Kiprop, Nixon Chepseba (1,500m)
* Isaiah Kiplagat, Thomas Longosiwa, Eliud Kipchoge (5,000m)
* Brimin Kipruto, Richard Matelong, Abraham Chirchir, Ezekiel Kemboi (3,000m SC)
* Peter Kirui, Wilson Kiprop, Martin Irungu (10,000m)
* Eliud Kiptanui, Abel Kirui, Vincent Kipruto, Benjamin Kiptoo Kolum, David Barmasai Tumo (marathon).
* David Kimutai, Josphat Sirma (20km Walk)
* Anderson Mureta, Mark Mutai, Vincent Mumo, Vincent Kiplagat, Jackson Kivuva, Julius Kirwa, Jonathan Kibet (Reserve) (4x400m)
Women
* Janet Jepkosgei, Eunice Sum, Jerono Koech (800m)
* Nancy Lagat, Viola Kibiwott, Hellen Obiri, (1500m)
* Milcah Chemos, Lydia Rotich, Mercy Njoroge (3,000m S/C)
* Sylvia Kibet, Linet Masai, Mercy Cherono, Vivian Cheruiyot (5,000m)
* Vivian Cheruiyot, Sally Kipyego, Priscah Jepleting, Linet Masai (10,000m)
* Edna Kiplagat, Philes Ongori, Sharon Cherop, Prisca Jeptoo, Caroline Rotich (Marathon)
* Grace Wanjiru, Emily Ngii (20km Walk).