AK shift focus on Tokyo Championship as trial concludes
By Luke Oluoch, July 23, 2025The buildup to the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo, Japan, enters the preparations phase as athletes bolster up for the upcoming global competition set for September 13 to 21, 2025, in Japan.
This comes after AK confirmed that 58 athletes had been selected from a rigorous national trials exercise conducted on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Ulinzi Complex.
The event saw over 150 athletes participating, with the top two finishers in each event automatically qualifying, while a third was chosen by a selection panel.
Eldoret-bound
As part of the preparations, the team will begin residential training at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret before moving to Nairobi for final preparations ahead of the World Championships.
Speaking after unveiling the team, AK President, Jack Tuwei, lauded how the trials were conducted, exuding confidence of another medal haul for Kenya at the major competition.
“I want to wish them well and believe they will do the country proud at the World Championships. This is a team of champions, and all of you have seen how we have selected the team today based on the tough competition that was witnessed today,” he told AK.
Tuwei further revealed the decision to take the team to Eldoret.
“From here, the team will immediately start training at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret. We have done this so as not to waste any time but begin preparations as we wait for CHAN to continue. Once it is over (CHAN), we will bring the team back to Nairobi for final preparations before they head to Tokyo,” he added.
The Kenyan team will be headlined by a number of household stars, such as triple Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon.
The Olympic record holder will compete alongside Nelly Chepchirchir, Dorcas Ewoi, and Susan Ejore in the women’s 1500m.
Beatrice Chebet, double Olympic gold medalist in the 5000m and 10,000m, is also part of the team, as is Olympic 3000m steeplechase bronze medalist Faith Cherotich.
The men’s 1500m squad includes promising teenager Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech, alongside seasoned runners Timothy Cheruiyot and Reynold Cheruiyot.
Sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala will be Kenya’s sole 100m representative. Emmanuel Wanyonyi (800m), Edmund Serem (3000m steeplechase), and Mary Moraa also made the team.
Meanwhile, Vincent Ngetich, who finished third in the 2024 Tokyo Marathon and second-best to Eliud Kipchoge in the 2023 Berlin Marathon, will lead Kenya’s chase for the long-distance race.
Ngetich will be joined by Kennedy Kimutai and Erick Kiplagat Sang.
Hillary Kipkoech was also selected as a reserve.