Kipyegon: What Kenya need to boost chances of double podium in Budapest
By Joel Sang, July 11, 2023Kenya short-distance superstar Faith Kipyegon has explained what athletes will need to do in order to bag several medals at the World Athletics Championship in Budapest.
The global showpiece will be held in August in the Hungarian capital, and Athletics Kenya has already listed the team that will carry the flag of the nation.
Kipyegon, Kimeli double up
The two-time Olympic and world 1,500m champion and Nicholas Kimeli are athletes on the team that will double up in Budapest. Kipyegon will feature in the 1,500m and the 5,000m, while Kimeli will feature in the 5,000m and in the 10,000m races.
Before the national trials at Nyayo Stadium last weekend, Kipyegon had already qualified for the Budapest Championship through a wild card. She won by 14:53.90 during the trials as she went for a slot in the 5,000m.
“The 5000m is not an easy race. It is very tactical, with high competition. Winning a gold medal will all depend on good preparation and focus in training and on the track. But the most important thing is teamwork. That’s all we need.
“We have a great team with a blend of youth and experience. If we get our strategy right, the chances of a double podium are high. It will not be an easy task, but I hope for the best,” Kipyegon told the media.
After her brilliant performances in the Florence and Paris Diamond League circuits, the weight of reclaiming the 5,000m title in Budapest for Kenya lies on her shoulders. Kenya’s contingent was defeated by Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay in the last edition held in Oregon, USA.
In the women’s 5,000m, Kipyegon is leading a team that comprises Beatrice Chebet, Lilian Kasait, and Margaret Chelimo. She is also the star of the 1,500m team that has Nelly Chepchirchir and Edinah Jebitok.
Team Kenya for Budapest World Athletics Championship
Men’s team
100m: Ferdinand Omanyala; 400m: Boniface Mweresa; 800m: Emmanuel Korir, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Alex Ng’eno, Ferguson Rotich; 1,500m: Timothy Cheruiyot, Abel Kipsang, and Reynold Kipkorir.
5,000m: Nicholas Kimeli, Jacob Krop, Daniel Simiu, and Cornelius Kemboi; 10,000m: Nicholas Kimeli, Bernard Kibet, and Kibiwott Kandie; 3,000m steeplechase: Simon Koech, Abraham Kibiwott, and Leonard Bett
20km race walk: Samuel Gathimba; 4x100m (four athletes to qualify); 4x400m (Wycliffe Kinyamal, Kennedy Kimeu, Zablon Ekwam, and Kelvin Sawe Tauta – to qualify)
Marathon: Titus Kipruto, Timothy Kiplagat, Joshua Belet, Bethwell Kipchumba (reserve), Michael Githae (reserve); Javelin: Julius Yego.
Women’s team
800m: Mary Moraa, Peninah Mutisya, Vivian Kiprotich, Naomi Korir; 1,500m: Faith Kipyegon, Nelly Chepchirchir, Edinah Jebitok; 5,000m: Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, Lilian Kasait, Margaret Chelimo.
10,000m: Irene Kamais, Agnes Jebet, and Grace Loibach; 20km race walk: Emily Ngii (area champions subject to approval); 4x400m mixed relay: Mercy Okech, Maureen Thomas, and Millicent Ndoro – To qualify); Marathon: Rosemary Wanjiru, Selly Kaptich, and Shyline Jepkorir. Betty Chepkwony (reserve), Margaret Wangari (reserve)