Athletics Kenya unveils team for world relays

Sports

Athletics Kenya unveils team for world relays

Sunday 07th April, 2024 11:29 AM| By Collins Amanga

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Athletics Kenya has announced its formidable lineup of 24 athletes who will represent the nation at the highly anticipated World Relays Championships scheduled to take place on May 4-5, 2024, in Nassau, Bahamas.

This selection comes after rigorous trials held at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, April 6, where Kenya’s top talents showcased their skills and prowess.

Kenya relay team

Leading the charge in the men’s 4×100m relay team is none other than Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, alongside accomplished sprinters Mark Otieno, Meshack Baabu, Samuel Chege, Mike Mokamba, and Hesbon Ochieng.

Meanwhile, the women’s 4x400m relay team will be spearheaded by none other than world 800m champion Mary Moraa.

Moraa will be supported by a talented ensemble including Mercy Chebet, Jackline Nanjala, Joan Cherono, Veronica Mutua, Vanice Kerubo, Maureen Thomas, Gladys Jepkemboi, and Diana Chebet.

In the men’s 4×400m relay, Kenya will be represented by a strong contingent comprising Zablon Ekwam, Wiseman Were, David Sanayek, Boniface Mweresa, Brian Tenega, Moitalel Nadokila, Kelvin Kipkorir, Nathaniel Kipngetich, and Kennedy Kimeu.

The World Relays Championships are of paramount importance as they serve as a crucial Olympic qualifying event for top-performing athletes from over 40 countries.

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas will host the prestigious event at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium in Nassau, providing a fitting stage for athletes to showcase their skills and compete for glory.

During the two days of competition, a total of 32 national teams will vie for top honors in each relay event, with 20 races scheduled across both days.

Relay schedule

Day 1 will witness 20 heats across five Olympic events, including the 4x100m, 4x400m for both men and women, and mixed relays. The top two teams from each heat will secure direct qualification for the Summer Olympics, adding to the intensity and excitement of the competition.

Ferdinand Omanyala and Mark Odhiambo. PHOTO/ Mark Odhiambo.

On Day 2, an additional 30 national teams will have the opportunity to qualify for the Games through 15 repechage heats. The first two teams from each repechage will earn qualification, along with five finals across the five events, ensuring thrilling and action-packed races until the very end.