LOOMING SHOWDOWN: Athletics Kenya releases classy line-ups for Olympics trials

Eunice Sum of Kenya crosses the finish line in the women's 800m event at the IAAF Athletics Diamond League meeting in Zurich September 3, 2015. REUTERS

The time is fast approaching. And it's every athlete's dream to pick the bragging rights to the biggest multi-sport bonanza on the planet –the Olympic Games.

The chase for team spots is on. Athletics Kenya have prepared the startlist for the eagerly-awaited trials at Eldoret's Kipchoge Keino Stadium on June 30-July 1.

AK drafted Janeth Jepkosgei for the trials, perhaps keen to see Kenya's 800m women team in Rio, Brazil, replay the 2008 Olympic Games' brilliant showing, where Pamela Jelimo led Jepkosgei to a 1-2 finish at the Birds Nest Stadium in Beijing.

Despite being on a maternity leave, Jepkosgei, Kenya's most consistent athlete was named on the startlist.

"I think the federation went as per the qualification time. I am happy for that," said Jepkosgei.

Paul Mutwii, the AK vice president in charge of technical, said; "We only entered those who have qualified and it's upon an individual to confirm to us that they cannot make it."

Despite Jepkosgei's absence, her protégé and world 800m bronze medalist Eunice Sum will take up the mantle.

Sum, third in Doha (1:59.74) and 10th in Rome (2:02.03), will lead former world junior silver medallist Winnie Chebet, Emily Cherotich, Sylvia Chesebe and Nelly Jepkosgei.

Conspicuously missing is on-form Hellen Obiri, the former world indoor champion and leaves the baton to world silver medallist Faith Chepng'etich and 2013 world 5,000m silver medallist Mercy Cherono, who will also line up in 5,000m.

"We are calling on any athlete who is not in the list, but has qualified, to forward his or her name."

Others are former All Africa Games 1,500m champion Irene Jelagat, Ann Karindi, Nancy Chepkwemoi, Sela Jepleting, Beatrice Chepkoech and Judy Kiyeng.

Fresh from winning in Oslo Diamond League,  World 3,000m steeplechase champion Hyvin Kiyeng, second in Eugene, needs to be at her best when she comes up against former world junior champion Gladys Kemboi and world youth champion Rosefline Chepng'etich.

Milcah Chemos, the 2013 world champion and 2015 IAAF Diamond League Trophy winner Virginia Nyambura, are also missing from list.

Vivian Cheruiyot, the 2011 double world champion, will lead 5,000m charges as Olympic silver medallist Sally Kipyego lights up the 10,000m duel.

In the men's front, world 800m champion David Rudisha will lead his peers Ferguson Rotich and Alfred Kipketer, the world junior champion.

Three-time world champion Asbel Kiprop will anchor 1,500m alongside world silver medallist Elijah Manangoi.