Athletics Kenya names Kenyan team for the World Indoor Championships

Athletics Kenya (AK) has named 10 athletes (five men and five women) to represent the country at the World Indoor Championships slated to be held from March 21-23 in Nanjing, China,.

Headlining the list are 2024 Paris Olympians Lilian Odira and Vivian Chebet who will spearhead the women’s 800m charge. Odira, the national 800m champion, will be making her debut in the Indoors while Chebet will be making her second appearance on the global stage.

Chebet represented the country during last year’s edition of the indoors in Glasgow, Britain, where she secured a fourth place finish in the 800m short track clocking 2:03.76. She trailed Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma who won the race in 2:01.90 with Britain’s Jemma Reekie sealing the podium in 2:02.72 and Benin’s Noelie Yarigo finishing in fourth in 2:03.15.

The 2022 World Indoor silver medalist Noah Kibet, will lead the men in the 800m race and will be joined by the 2023 African 800m silver medalist Alex Ngeno and Collins Kipruto.

Olympian Susan Ejore headlines the 1,500m joined by Dorcas Ewoi while Festus Lagat will be the country’s sole representative in the men’s event.

The 2024 Prievidza 10K road race runner up Purity Gitonga and the 2024 African 5,000m bronze medalist Cornelius Kemboi highlight the 3,000m.

The team will be led by five officials that include Abdullahi Omar as team leader with Vincent Mumo and 2008 Olympic 800m silver medalist Janeth Jepkosgei as the team coaches.

Selected Athletes for the World Indoor Championships

800m Women

Vivian Chebet KIPROTICH                          

Lilian Atieno ODIRA                                                 

800m Men

Noah KIBET                                                   

Collins KIPRUTO                                          

Alex Ngeno KIPNGETICH                           

1500m Women

Dorcas Kaboloni EWOI                                                          

Susan Lokayo EJORE                        

1500m Men

 Festus LAGAT                                               

3000m Women

Purity Kajuju GITONGA                                           

3000m Men

Cornelius KEMBOI    

Team Officials

1.      Mr. Abdullahi Omar Salat                    Team Leader

2.      Mr. Mathew Kipchumba                      Team Physio

3.      Ms. Esther Kavaya                               Safeguarding

4.      Mr. Vincent Mumo                              Team Coach

5.      Mr. Janeth Jepkosgei                            Team Coach