By Amos Abuga

World 1,500m Champion Elijah Manangoi has allayed fears of missing the
World Athletics Championships because of injury and assured Kenyans
that he will be ready and fit when the global event begin in Doha,
Qatar later this month.

Manangoi who is also the Commonwealth and Africa Champion said he could have loved to take part in the national trials taking place at Nyayo
Stadium despite having a wild card, but he didn’t want to rush back to
action and risk re-igniting the injury.

“I want to wish the competitors all the best in tomorrow’s finals. I
know we have very talented athletes in the event,” said Manangoi.

World 1,500m silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot who recently won a
third consecutive Diamond League trophy is expected to feature in the
final.

Other runners eyeing the slots include Charles Simotwo, World Under 20
champion George Manangoi who is Elijah’s younger brother and 2015
world Under-20 champion Kumari Taki among others.

Meanwhile Athletics Kenya AK is expected to name 70 athletes for the
global championships after the conclusion of the two day trials at
Nyayo Stadium tomorrow.

AK Nairobi branch chairman Barnaba Korir is urging Kenyans to turn out
in large numbers and support the stars.

“We are hoping more Kenyans will come to the stadium  in the final day
and rally the athletes. Also we are trying to involve as many former
athletes in our events as possible,” said Korir.