AK picks team for World Indoors in Nanjing, China

Athletics Kenya (AK) has selected 10 athletes (five men and five women) to represent the country at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, from March 21-23.

Headlining the list are 2024 Paris Olympians Lilian Odira and Vivian Chebet who will spearhead the women’s 800m charge.

Odira, the national 800m champion, will be making her debut in the Indoors while Chebet will be making her second appearance on the global stage.

Chebet represented the country during last year’s edition of the indoors in Glasgow, Britain, where she secured a fourth place finish in the 800m short track clocking 2:03:76.

She trailed Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma (2:01:90), Britain’s Jemma Reekie (2:02:72) and Benin’s Noelie Yarigo (2:03:15).

The 2022 World Indoor silver medalist Noah Kibet, joined by the 2023 African 800m silver medalist Alex Ngeno and Collins Kipruto, will lead the men’s 800m charge.

Olympian Susan Ejore headlines the 1,500m joined by Dorcas Ewoi while Festus Lagat will be the country’s sole representative in the men’s event.

The 2024 Prievidza 10K Road Race runners up Purity Gitonga and the 2024 African 5,000m bronze medalist Cornelius Kemboi highlight the 3,000m.

Five officials led by Abdullahi Omar as team leader with Vincent Mumo and 2008 Olympic 800m silver medalist Janeth Jepkosgei as the team coaches will accompany the team.

List of selected Athletes for the World Indoor Championships:

Vivian Chebet KIPROTICH                         

Lilian Atieno Odira                                               

Noah Kibet                                                  

Collins Kipruto                                          

Alex Ngeno Kipngetich

Dorcas Kaboloni Ewoi                                                          

Susan Lokayo Ejore                       

Festus Lagat                                             

3,000m Women

Purity Kajuju Gitonga                                          

Cornelius Kemboi 

Team Officials

Abdullahi Omar Salat                   Team Leader

Mathew Kipchumba                    Team Physio

Esther Kavaya                               Safeguarding

Vincent Mumo                              Team Coach

Janeth Jepkosgei                         Team Coach