World Under-18: 157 special guests expected

The World Under-18 Championships Local Organising Committee has invited 157 athletes, who either pioneered athletics in the country or won medals at the Olympics, World and Commonwealth Games as guests of the event.

Athletics Kenya chief executive officer Susan Kamau announced on Saturday that these heroes and heroines will be accommodated at the Safari Park Hotel for six days where all their expenses will be paid for by the LOC.

Kamau said besides appreciating what they have done for this country, the legendary athletes will be expected to play the crucial role of mentoring members of Team Kenya and other young people who will be attending the championships.

“The LOC attaches a lot of importance to the pioneer athletes for starting what is today the dynamo of athletics in Kenya,” said Kamau adding that these former and active athletes will report at Safari Park Hotel on Tuesday, a day before the opening ceremony of the championships for registration.

Kamau said they have communicated with all the invited athletes but urged them to contact them on 0722360831 for any clarifications.

Legendary Nyandika Maiyoro is among the pioneer Kenyan long distance runners. He first come into prominence in 1952 when he won the Empire Games 5 kilometres race in Madagascar, despite starting the race late after failing to understand the instructions.

Maiyoro finished fourth in the 3-miles at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games and, 12th at the same games in 1958.

He captained Kenya at their first Olympic Games, 1956 in Melbourne where he finished seventh in 5,000m.

Also invited are athletes who have won two gold medals at the Olympics including legendary Kipchoge Keino, Ezekiel Kemboi and David Rudisha.

Legendary sprinters Rose Tata-Muya and Ruth Waithera are also among those invited.

Selected heroes:
Nyantika Maiyoro, Kanuti arap Sum, Bartonjo Rotich, Arere Anentia, Kimaru Songok, William “Bill” Koskei, John Kipkurgat, Fatwell Kimaiyo, John Mayaka, Francis Musyoki, Sabina Chebichi, Henry Rono, Kipchoge Keino, James Munyala , Mike Musyoki, Daniel Kimaiyo, Joel Ngetich, Washington Njiiri, Tecla Chemabwai, Simeon Kipkemboi, Sammy Tirop, Wilfred Oanda Kirochi, Stephen Mwanzia, Charles Gitonga, Reuben Chesang’.

Lameck Aguta,  Johnstone Kipkoech, Gladys Wamuyu, Japheth Kimutai, Laban Rotich, Simon Maina, John Kosgei, Remy Kimutai Limo, Jackline Maranga, Esther Wanjiru, Sammy Kipketer, Wilberforce Talel, Joshua Chelang’a (Silver, Marathon), Stephen Cherono (aka Saaeed Saif Shaheen), Salina Kosgei, Alex Kipchirchir Rono, Augustine Choge.

Lucy Kabuu, Mark Mutai, Boaz Kiplagat Lalang’, Silas Kiplagat, Richard Mateelong’,  John Kelai,  Grace Momanyi, Irene Jerotich, James Kiplagat Magut, Caleb Ndiku, Jonathan Ndiku, Joyce Chepkirui, Purity Kirui, Flomena Cheyech Daniel.