Kishoyian leads 59-strong team to African show

Kenya Defence Forces' Margaret Nyairera celebrates winning the women's 400m final during the National Athletics Championship on May 28, 2016 at Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Squad enters camp on June 5
  • A notable inclusion is Rebecca Kerubo from Police who will field in women’s hammer.
  • Maureen Jelagat comfortably reclaimed her 400m hurdles title in style in 57.39 despite losing to Nyairera in the 400m finals.

Athletics Kenya on Saturday named a squad of 59 athletes for the Africa Championships due for June 22 to 26 in Durban, South Africa.

While naming the team after the three-day Safaricom National Athletics Championships at Kasarani, Athletics Kenya’s senior vice-president Paul Mutwii said they left out athletes who didn’t compete so as to give upcoming runners exposure at the continental event.

A notable inclusion is Rebecca Kerubo from Police who will field in women’s hammer. Kerubo hauled 47.93 metres to win her final as the first three athletes across the line made the team in most events after attaining the qualifying time.

Mutwii also named four athletes in the 400m including Alphas Kishoyian, who retained his title in 45.71, Raymond Kibet (Central) 45.74,  Stanley Kieti (Central) 45.95 and African Games 400m silver medallist Boniface Mweresa (Central) 46.25.

“We want more athletes especially in sprints, filed events and race walk to attain Olympics qualifying times in South Africa,” said Mutwii. The team will enter residential training on June 5 at Kasarani.

In yesterday’s finals, Harun Koech (Police) and Margaret Nyairera (Kenya Defence Forces) stunned strong fields to win their respectively 400m hurdles and 400m races in personal best times at Kasarani. Mike Mokamba (KDF) braved a muscle pull in the last 10m to retain his 100m in 10.35 moments after having kept his 200m titles in 20.38.

Alphas Kishoyian (KDF) also pulled his muscle at homestretch but still managed to retain his 400m title in 45.71 as African Games 100m silver medallist Eunice Kadogo also retained her 100m and 200m titles.

Maureen Jelagat comfortably reclaimed her 400m hurdles title in style in 57.39 despite losing to Nyairera in the 400m finals.

There were plenty of surprises in 1,500m when Judith Kiyeng (KDF), a younger sister to World 3,000m steeplechase champion Hyvin Kiyeng, stunned favourite Selah Jepleting (KDF) on the line to win women’s 1,500m race in 4:05.45. 

SELECTED TEAM
Men: Mike Mokamba (100m); William Mbevi (110mh); Mike MOkamba, Peter Mwai, Gilbert Otieno (200m); Alphas Kishoyian, Raymond Kibet, Stanley Kieti, Boniface Mweresa (400m)

Nicholas Kiplagat , Jonathan Kitilit, Boaz Kiprugut (800m); Harun Koech, Boniface Mucheru, Kiprono Koskei (400mh); Vincent Leting, Timothy Cheruiyot, Eric Kiptanui (1,500m); Abraham Kibiwott, Phenus Kiplenting (3,000m s/c); Mangata Ndiwa, Peter Lagat (5,000m);

Kenneth Kipkemoi, Wilfred Kimitei, Stephen Arita (10,000m), Tera Lagat (Long Jump), Elijah Kimitei (triple jump), Matthew Sawe (High jump), Nelson Yego, Alex Toroitich (Javelin); Samuel Kireri, Simon Wachira (Race walk).

Women: Eunice Kedogo (100m), Priscillah Tabunda (110mh); Eunice Kedogo, Millicent Ndoro, Mary Atanui (200m), Margaret Nyairera, Maureen Thomas, Hellen Syombua (400m), Emily Cheortich, Winnie Chebet, Sylvia Chesebe (800m);

Maureen Jelagat, Jane Chege (400mh); Judy Kiyeng, Sela Jepleting, Sandra Chebet (1,500m); Lydia Rotich, Nora Jeruto, Agnes Chesang (3,000m s/c); Sheila Jepkirui, Margaret Chelimo, Sheila Chelagat (5,000m); Alice Aprot, Jackline Chepng’eno, Joyline Jepkosgei( 10,000m); Rebecca Kerubo (Hammer); Grace Wanjiru, Linda Waweru (Race walk).

Officials: Joseph Kiget (Team manager), Mohammed Said (deputy team manager), Justine Kipchirchir (Chaperone). David Kitum, Joseph Ngure, Pascaline Chelagat, Peter Saina, Benjamin Kemboi, Sammy Koskei, Benjamin Busia, Joseph Kasaine.