Fresh from reaching the semis of the World Under 20 Championship, Noah Kibet has linked up with Team Kenya for the World Under 20 Athletics Championships scheduled for August 1 to 6 in Cali, Colombia.

Kibet joined the team for the Monday morning session at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani track as athletics coach Robert Ngisirei worked to polish up the team before jetting out on Friday. “It was a good experience having competed in my first ever senior championships. Reaching the semis for the first time is good progress.

“I still have to improve a few areas among them decision making,” said Kibet who is the World Indoors 800m silver medallist.

Coach Ngisirei said the team, despite having made some changes from the one named at the beginning of the month, is quite strong.

“I have worked with junior athletes over the years, so I know when I tell you we are ready to go for war,” said the head coach.

Challenges in securing travelling documents forced six changes to the team according to Ngisirei.  Samuel Toili, who finished second in the 400m during the national trials, and 800m winner Brian Kiptum, were dropped after failing to secure their national identification cards on time.

Qualifying standards

That leaves Elkanah Kiprotich as a lone ranger in 400m since the rest at the trials failed to meet the qualifying standards. 

The absence of Kiptum will see Dominic Kiptoo team up with World Under 20 bronze medallist Kibet.

Nelson Mandela has replaced Shadrack Rono, who finished second during the national trials, in the 5,000m. Mandela, who came third at the trials, will now partner with the trial winner Samuel Kibathi.

The trials’ 3,000m winner Michael Temoi has been left out as Felix Korir, who finished third, takes his place. Edwin Kimosong goes for the 3,000m honours.

Haron Chepkwony Kibet comes in for Peter Rono in the 3,000m steeplechase team that also has Emmanuel Wafula.

One change has been effected in the women’s team where Diana Chepkemoi has been left out in the 3,000m steeplechase, leaving World Under 20 bronze medallist Faith Cherotich to fly the flag in Cali.

Meanwhile Athletics Kenya Director of Youth and Development, Barnaba Korir yesterday visited the team that has been training for the last three weeks, having an open session with the juniors that ended with kitting the team.

“I heard an interactive session with the athletes at their residential place, Sports View Hotel. I was able to give them words of advice while also listening to the challenges they are facing. I don’t want to preempt but I know they will do well in Cali,” said Korir.

The team of 28 athletes and 7 officials leaves the country on July 29 for the South American country.