Top four floored

By MUTWIRI MUTUOTA

Senior sports writer

It can only happen in Kenya. All four individual World Cross champions will not defend their titles at the March 20 Punta Umbria edition in Spain after falling sorry victims to the ruthless nature of the country’s Trials.

Joseph Ebuya, who snapped a decade long race drought, surprise women’s gold winner, Emily Chebet and junior champions, Caleb Mwangangi (men) Mercy Cherono (women) were scorched at Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens at the IAAF Permit/KCB National Cross Country Championships as new frontrunners to bear the nation’s flag came to the fore.

The headline act was Geoffrey Mutai, the marathoner who played his favourite role to perfection in the brutal men’s 12km showdown. "I will only compete in Spain if I’m given permission to continue with my training in Iten. Last year, I trained together with the team and won bronze (Africa Championships, 10000m).

Men's 12km race starting at the Kenya National Cross Country Championships in Nairobi, on Saturday. [PHOTO: STAFFORD ONDEGO/STANDARD] . Keep Reading  Kenya leads global push to raise Sh322tr from climate taxesPremium  UNEA: Summit ends with promise to keep an eye on pollution, waste  Harnessing insurance as a climate resilience tool  We need more climate-informed health planning approaches in climate action plans  Insurance as a mechanism for building climate resilience

"If they (Athletics Kenya) agree, then I can promise Kenyans victory since I know, I’m capable. If they don’t, I will focus on Boston (Marathon)," Mutai said. Runner-up, Matthew Kisorio was elated after winning back a place in the team after missing out last year.

World 10km and 15km record holder, Leonard Komon, who was granted outside selection after placing sixth stated: "Now the first objective of making the team has been achieved. It was tough out there but I can now focus on the mission to bring gold."

Only the legend and five-time winner, Paul Tergat had such an uninterrupted stay in Team Kenya from 1995 through to 2000. Vincent Chepkok, the 2007 junior silver medallist finally cracked into the senior side with an admirable third place finish.

Hosea Macharinyang (fifth) returns to the World Cross after missing Poland with Philemon Rono making his debut after securing the fourth automatic slot.

Another sequel between world champions, Linet Masai (10000m) and Vivian Cheruiyot (5000m) awaits the world at the senior women’s 6km race.

Cheruiyot stated. There was a happy return to Team Kenya for Priscah Jepleting Cherono who last featured at the 2007 World Cross where she placed seventh. Worlds 5,000m silver winner, Sylvia Kibet, Lineth Chepkurui and 2006 junior champion, Pauline Korikwiang also made the team.

In form Isaiah Kiplagat will lead a fresh junior men 8km squad, as he is the only runner from Bydgoszcz who made the grade while Janet Kisia, a protÈgÈe of Bro Colm O’Connell topped the bill in the corresponding junior women’s race.

Faith Chepng’etich (fourth) and Purity Cherotich (silver) who starred in Poland won places in the Spain bound team.

Ebuya and Chebet registered Did Not Finish after the former suffered stomach pains while the latter injured a leg.