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Athletics Kenya (AK) on Friday named a team of 47 athletes to represent the country at the 17th edition of World Championship planned for September 27 to October 6 in Doha, Qatar.  

Sports cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed who graced the final of the two-day national trials said she is impressed with work done by the federation in naming the team.

“I want to thank our brave sportsmen and women for continuously representing our country well. I want you to know that the over 45million will be cheering them,” said the CS.

“The athletes and officials are all happy and ready to go. I want to assure them of the government’s support,” said Amina.

The athletes comprising of 21 women and 26 men will report to residential camp at Kasarani Stadium on Monday under guidance of Julius kirwa as their head coach. Joseph Kiget will be the Team Manager.

Other coaches include middle distance coach Bernard Ouma, David Kitur, Shame Kororia, Abraham Kiplimo, Shelly Kilunda, Joseph Cheromei and Richard Metto.

All the four defending champions from London 2017 as expected made to the team. Elijah Manangoi 1,500m, Faith Chepng’etich,  Conseslus Kipruto 3,000m steeplechase and  Hellen Obiri 5,000m.

Also in the team are the only two kenyan diamond league trophy winners Timothy Cheruiyot 1,500m and World 3,000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech. Head coach Kirwa says he has time to work with the team and will mainly focus on speed work.

“We are going for war. Just like all the other teams from the world, we shall adequately prepare our team to take on the rest. The athletes have it in them to excel,” said Kirwa.

While naming the team AK senior vice president Paul Mutwii only named one athlete in 5,000m a race that is likely to stir controversy in the coming weeks.

Nicholas Kimeli who was third during the trials was the only athlete named leaving out winner  Michael Kibet and Daniel Simiyu with sources indicating AK will opt for experienced athletes  in the race.