Kenya has named a team of 40 athletes and 11 team officials to the Athletic World Championships in Beijing as it seeks to increase its medal tally.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta were at the stadium in Nairobi to witness the selection. The president wished the team well and asked them to invoke the Moscow Spirit and make the country proud.
The president told those selected how proud of them he was and appreciated their spirit.
The team has both past and present Olympic and world champions. It is ready to take on any challenge in Beijing when the championships begin from the 22 to 30 August.
Kenya claimed 12 medals in the last championships in Moscow two years ago and will be seeking to improve on that record having finished fourth behind winners and hosts Russia,USA and Jamaica.
Kenya will face stiff challenge from Ethiopia, Morocco, USA and Britain in its effort to stamp its prowess as a tower in athletics.
The list of the athletes according to Xinhua include:
Women: 400m – Joy Sakari, Maurine Chelegat; 800m – Eunice Sum, Janeth Jepkosgei;1500m – Fith Chepng’etich, Nancy Jepkemoi, Viola Lagat; 3,000m steeplechase – Ivy Kiyeng, Roselyne Chepngetich, Virginia Nyambura; 5,000m – Viola Kibiwott, Irene Chemutai, Mercy Cherono; 10,000m – Vivian Cheruiyot, Betsy Saina, Sally Kipyego; Marathon – Edna Kiplagat, Jemima Jelegat, Hella Kiprop, Vaseline Jepkesho.
Men: Javelin – Julias Yego; 400m – Elphas Kishoyan; 800m – Ferguson Rotich, David Rudisha, Alfred Kipketer; 1,500m – Asbel Kiprop, Silas Kiplagat, Elijah Matonei; 3,000m SC – Ezekiel kemboi, Jairus Birech, Conceslus Kipruto, Brimin Kipruto; 5,000m – Edwin Soi, Emmanuel Kipsang, Caleb Mwangangi; 10,000m – Geoffrey Kamworor, Bedan karoki, Paul Tanui; Marathon – Wilson Kipsang, Dennis Kimetto, Mark Korir.
