George Mutinda, Brian Tinega and Kelvin Kipkorir punched their tickets to the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo after scorching the track with sub-44.85-second finishes in a thrilling 400m final at the Athletics Kenya National Championships on Friday at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Mutinda delivered a blistering homestretch kick to win in a personal best of 44.51, with Tinega second in 44.67 and Kipkorir third in 44.80.
It will be their maiden World Championships.
Mutinda was surprised by his performance.
“I feel good. I had not planned for it, but I just decided to push and see what happens,” Mutinda stated.
Despite a sluggish start, his trademark finishing surge carried him through the final stretch.
“I was slow in the first 200m, but I decided to push ahead since the finish is the most important part,” he added.
He trained for it for the past year.
“I have been training for this for one year. It feels good to have made the time. It shows if I continue pushing, I can achieve more,” he added.
Mutinda hopes to sharpen up before the global showdown.
“I want to polish up on my start. The finishing kick is there,” he said.
For Tinega, the qualification marked the end of a three-year wait.
“I feel excited. I have worked for this for the past three years,” said Tinega, who had timed 44.99 to win his semifinal heat on Thursday.
“Yesterday, I ran 44.99 and that gave me the push. I decided that I would drop a few microseconds in the final to ensure a ticket to Tokyo.”
He targets Samson Kitur’s national record of 44.18 from the 1992 Olympic Games.
“I want to work on my speed. I want to push myself more and, hopefully, I can go for the national record in Tokyo,” he added.
Kipkorir had faith they would deliver.
“I feel happy to have qualified for Tokyo. I had not planned to meet the time but when I woke up today, I prayed to God to give me the strength to attain my goals,” Kipkorir said.
“The competition was tough since everyone is in top shape. I had told Tinega early that we would get three 44-second finishes.”
In addition to the individual event, Kipkorir is also part of the 4x400m relay squad and is determined to sharpen his start.
“I am also part of the 4x400m mixed team. Getting the time in my event means a lot. I want to sharpen my start as we prepare for the World Championships,” he said.
Teenage sensation Silas Senchura stunned a loaded field to win the men’s 10,000m national title in 28:26.17, edging veteran Edwin Soi (28:26.19) in a thrilling sprint finish.
Kelvin Rotich placed third in 28:30.01 as World silver medallist Daniel Simiu faded to fourth (28:30.89).
Senchura was pleased with his maiden national title, although he expected a faster time.
“The race was good, the only challenge was the sun. I am happy I was able to win my first national title, although I wanted a faster time,” Senchura said.
He hopes to secure a call-up to the 10,000m trials for the World Championships.
“I am now going back to training and focus on my speed and, hopefully, earn a call-up to the 10,000m trials for Tokyo,” he said.
Esther Mbagari retained the women’s 100m crown in 11.89 ahead of Loice Morara (12.00) and Diana Aoko (12.05).
She, however, fell short in her 200m title defence, losing to the experienced Millicent Ndoro, who surged to victory in 23.82. Mbagari clocked 24.08 for second.
In the men’s 200m, Zablon Ekwam was in electric form, storming to victory in 20.47 ahead of Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala (20.53) and Dennis Mwai (20.73).
Olympian Lilian Odira retained her 800m national title, clocking 2:02.08 in a tightly contested final.
Sarah Moraa (2:02.56) and Judy Kemunto (2:02.93) followed closely.
In the men’s 1,500m, rising star Reynold Cheruiyot turned on the afterburners to outkick 2020 Olympic silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot, winning in 3:37.23.
Timothy settled for second in 3:37.28 while Abel Kipsang’ completed the podium in 3:40.20.
Mary Nyaruai defended her women’s 1,500m title in 4:09.68 ahead of Teresia Gateri (4:10.10) and Vivian Chebet (4:11.30).
Veteran race walker Samuel Gathimba claimed the men’s 20km walk title in 1:25:37 with Stephen Ndangili (1:27:33) and Dominico Mwenda (1:29:58) completing the podium.
In the women’s event, Sylvia Kemboi cruised to victory in 1:43:34 ahead of Caren Simiyu (1:46:24) and Naum Jepkirui (1:50:23).
