Ndereba may not defend title at Berlin

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By Mutwiri Mutuota

A foot injury sustained at the London Marathon could force reigning world women’s marathon champion Catherine Ndereba out of her title defence in Berlin.

Ndereba, who finished sixth in London, disclosed to FeverPitch she was concerned about not being in top competitive form after blistering her foot.

"I started developing blisters at the 15th mile in London and wanted to drop out of the race two miles later," Ndereba said.

"However, I decided to carry on and finish the race in great pain. I do not foresee a complete recovery in time to prepare well for Berlin and should that be the case, then someone else should be given the chance," she added.

"I will see a foot doctor in the US to know the full extent of my condition. It is my wish to compete for Kenya, but it requires intensive training that may not be possible if recovery takes longer," the champion from Osaka 2007 (2:30:37) revealed.

The twice-Olympic silver medallist (Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008), however, divulged that she jogged lightly yesterday morning with no ill effects.

Named In The Squad

Last Thursday, Athletics Kenya (AK) named Ndereba in the squad for Berlin alongside Boston Marathon champion Salina Kosgei, Agnes Kiprop, Hellen Kiprop and Irene Lemika.

AK Secretary David Okeyo, who met Ndereba yesterday, urged the champion, who also won the world title in 2003 in Paris (2:23:55), to remain hopeful of featuring in the team.

Officials Worried

"If she recovers in good time, then she will definitely be in the team. It’s disturbing she was injured in London but we asked her to be optimistic," Okeyo told FeverPitch.

At the same time, the official gave all athletes in the team a Friday ultimatum to confirm their availability for national duty.

"We need to start preparing early for Berlin and we need to know who will be with us as soon as we can," he said.

In line to replace Ndereba should she opt out of Berlin are reserves Martha Komu, fifth finisher in Beijing, Rispa Kimaiyo, Lydia Cheromei, Edith Masai or Irene Lemika.

Olympic and London champion Samuel Wanjiru, another athlete doubtful for Berlin, James Kwambai, Duncan Kibet, Emmanuel Mutai and Daniel Rono, were named in the men’s team.

World champion Luke Kibet, three-times London champion, Martin Lel, four-times Boston winner, Robert Cheruiyot, David Kipkorir and Abel Kirui are the alternates in the squad.