BEIJING HERE WE COME: Kenya’s first batch leaves for World games with confidence

200m sprinter Mike Mokamba (right) and Alphas Kishoyian of 400m shortly for departing for the IAAF World Championship in Beijing on August 17, 2015. [Photo:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Team Kenya’s first batch to the IAAF World Championships in Beijing departed on Monday night confident that they would surpass their superlative showing in 2013 in Moscow where they collected 12 medals – five gold, four silver and three bronze.

The remaining contingent that includes men’s 1,500m, men’s 5,000m and women’s marathoners led by defending champion Edna Kiplagat, Jemimah Jelagat Sumgong, Helah Kiprop, Visiline Jepkesho will travel on August 20.

Good performance is expected in Kenya’s traditional events, with men’s marathon starting the country’s medals’ hunt on the opening day of the championship on Saturday (02:35 Kenyan time).

The middle and distance-running powerhouse’s podium hope will rest on the former world record holder Wilson Kipsang, the reigning world record holder Dennis Kimetto and 2015 Paris Champion Mark Korir.

Kimetto said: “We don’t fear anyone. With the kind of training we had, we are ready to face the Ethiopians and dethrone Uganda’s Stephen Kiprotich his title. Gold is coming to Kenya.”

Kenya will also parade a strong 200m sprint team with Mike Mokamba spearheading, while Carvin Nkanata will be running at the worlds for the first time. Alfas Kishoyian will battle it out in the men’s 400m.
“I’m really happy to represent my country in the sprint for the first time. That’s an indication that if nurtured well, we can produce good sprinters just like our long-distance counterparts, and will compete effectively against sprinting powerhouses like USA and Jamaica,” said Mokambo, who will also represent Kenya in the All African Games in Brazzaville next month together with Maureen Jelagat, Fransisca Koki and Joyce Sakari.

Head coach Julius Kirwa is hopeful that his team, billed as the strongest ever, will prosper at the championships.

“I’m confident that each individual going out there will do his or her best. We had enough preparation and the support throughout,” said Kirwa.

USA-based Betsy Saina (10,000m), who will be competing for Kenya for the first time, is optimistic that the team will do well.
TEAM KENYA

World Championships

MEN: 200m: Mike Mokamba, Carvin Nkanata; 400m: Alphas Kishoiyan; 800m: Ferguson Rotich, David Rudisha, Alfred Kipketer; 1500m: Asbel Kiprop, Silas Kiplagat, Timothy Cheruiyot, Elijah Manangoi; 5000m: Caleb Mwangangi Ndiku, Edwin Soi, Emmanuel Kipsang, Isaiah Koech; 10000m: Geoffrey Kamworor, Bedan Karoki and Paul Tanui; 400m Hurdles: Nicholas Bett, Boniface Mucheru, Aarun Koech; 3000m steeplechase: Ezekiel Kemboi, Jairus Birech, Conseslus Kipruto; Javelin: Julius Yego; Marathon: Wilson Kipsang’, Dennis Kimetto, Mark Korir.

WOMEN: 400m: Joyce Zakari, Maureen Jelagat, Jacinta Shikand; 800m women: Eunice Sum, Janeth Jepkosgei, Margaret Nyairera; 1500m: Faith Chepng’etich, Nancy Chepkwemoi, Violah Cheptoo Lagat; 5000m: Viola Kibiwott, Irene Cheptai, Mercy Cherono, Janet Kisa; 10,000m: Vivian Cheruiyot, Betsy Saina, Sally Kipyego; 3000m steeplechase: Hyvin Kiyeng, Virginia Nyambura, Rosefline Chepng’etich; Marathon: Edna Kiplagat, Jemimah Jelagat Sumgong, Helah Kiprop, Visiline Jepkesho,

Head Coach: Julius Kirwa; Assistant coaches; Nicholas Kilisio, Joseph Mosonik, Alex Sang, Sprints coach; Geoffrey Kimani.

Team leader; Joseph Kinyua; Physio: Jessica Shiraku, Peter Nduhiu, Samuel Samoei