Former World Youth Champion Biwott and Kisa join Beijing worlds' team

Janet Kisa of kenya Police Service on way to win women's 5000m finals during the Athletics kenya national Championship at Kasarani Stadium on July 11,2015.Photo/DENNIS OKEYO

Former World Youth Champion Robert Biwott and Janet Kisa have been drafted into the men's 1,500m and women's 5,000m distance race in the World Championships in Beijing.

This was confirmed by head coach Julius Kirwa, bringing the number of athletes in the team to 49. The coach said there was an omission in the naming of the team after the trials and it was only right to have the two back.

"It is true we have added in two new faces, Kisa for the 5,000m and Biwott in the 1,500m race," said Kirwa. "This will see us have four athletes in both events because of the wild card. World 1,500m Champion Asbel Kiprop has a wild card as defending champion, while Mercy Cherono also has a wild card in the 5,000m because she won the Diamond League in 2014."

Biwott said he was surprised at the omission and had given up hope of making the team since he had finished fourth at the trials, clocking 3:34.71 behind winner Asbel Kiprop (3:34.03), Silas Kiplagat (3:34.44) and Elijah Manangoi (3:34.46). 

WILD CARD

"After the trials I expected to make the team because there was a wild card for the first two athletes (Kiprop and Kiplagat). But my name was not called out and I was dejected. I immediately left for home, but my coach, Japhet Kemey tried to console me, promising to do something," said Biwott.

"When coach Kirwa called me today (Wednesday) morning, I was happy that my prayers had been answered," said Biwott who will be making his second show for Kenya in a global championship after graduating from youth to senior ranks last year.

But the 19-year-old had to endure a full season out with a hamstring injury last year, something that saw him miss the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

"I just returned to action this year and I am happy that I have made the team. Now I will focus on training and hope the coaches will help me improve my speed ahead of the task in Beijing," said Biwott, who was seventh in Monaco, clocking a personal best time of 3:30.10 in a race won by Kiprop in meet record and world lead time of 3:26.69.