Athletes compete in the 5,000m during the national championships/TEDDY MULEIAthletics Kenya (AK) is banking on a star-studded squad to eclipse the country's historic performance at the World Championships in Beijing 2015 when it heads to Tokyo this September.
In Beijing 2015, Kenya produced a masterclass, ranking as the best nation globally with 16 medals (seven gold, six silver and three bronze).
Jamaica followed in second place with 12 medals, whereas the US placed third with 18 medals.
Since making its debut at the inaugural World Championships in Helsinki in 1983, Kenya has been a powerhouse, amassing a total of 171 medals (65 gold, 58 silver, 48 bronze).
Only the USA, with a staggering 443 medals, ranks above the East African athletics juggernaut on the all-time medal chart.
With sights firmly set on Tokyo, AK has reaffirmed its desire to outperform Kenya's 2015 heroics in Beijing when it fields a team for Tokyo.
"This year, as we prepare for the World Championships in Tokyo, the goal is to go one better than 2015, where Kenya topped the medal table in Beijing," the statement said.
The quest begins on Tuesday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex during the national trials, where over 150 athletes will square off for coveted places on Team Kenya.
But it won’t be a free-for-all.
The trials will be an exclusive, invite-only contest for athletes who have satisfied stringent entry requirements, including a minimum of three no-notice, out-of-competition doping tests between October 29, 2024 and August 2025 (with at least one conducted before May 24).
Athletes who have met World Athletics entry standards, hold strong global rankings, or are defending world champions also earned invites.
In a boost to the trials' competitive edge, AK confirmed the participation of several foreign athletes.
"Apart from Kenyan athletes, the trials will be graced by several athletes from Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan and the Refugee team," added AK
"They include the Ugandan duo of Joy Cheptoyek and Shida Leni as well as Ethiopia's Berhanu Ayansa, among others."
AK has already locked in selections for the women’s 5,000m and men’s 10,000m, courtesy of the July 5 Prefontaine Classic.
“Edwin Kurgat and Ishmael Kipkurui will carry our flag in the men’s 10,000m, with a third athlete to be named by an AK panel,” AK announced.
“In the women’s 5,000m, Beatrice Chebet and Agnes Ngetich are our confirmed representatives for now.”
The trials have also received a timely boost from sponsors KCB bank, Betika, Coca-Cola and the Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC).
AK reminded all invited athletes to strictly adhere to the competition guidelines and confirm their availability ahead of the event.
"We ask all the invited athletes to adhere to the set instructions, including confirming their availability for the trials as well as collecting their bib numbers on Monday and on time."
