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Kenya to send 40 athletes to Athletic World Championships in Beijing

Xinhua, August 2, 2015 Adjust font size:

Kenya named a team of 40 athletes and 11 team officials to the Athletic World Championships in Beijing as it seeks to increase its medal tally.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta were at the stadium in Nairobi to witness the selection. The president wished the team well and asked them to invoke the Moscow Spirit and make the country proud.

"You have been selected through merit and I hope you will make us proud. I was in Moscow with you and I appreciated the spirit and hope you will do well again," said President Kenyatta.

The team, which has past and present Olympic and world champions, is of better quality and will be ready to take on any challenge at the Bird's Nest in Beijing, when the championships start from August 22 to 30.

Kenya claimed 12 medals in the last championships in Moscow two years ago and will be seeking to improve on that record having finished fourth behind winners and hosts Russia, USA and Jamaica.

"This is a very quality team and we expect to do well. Focus on the championships ahead and not the side shows especially the negative criticicm from some people keen to potray the country as having athletes who have doped," said Jackson Tuwei, the acting Athletics Kenya (AK) President.

Kenya will face stiff challenge from Ethiopia, Morocco, USA and Britain in its effort to stamp its prowess as a tower in athletics.

Kenya team:

Women: 400m - Joy Sakari, Maurine Chelegat; 800m - Eunice Sum, Janeth Jepkosgei;1500m - Fith Chepng'etich, Nancy Jepkemoi, Viola Lagat; 3,000m steeplechase - Ivy Kiyeng, Roselyne Chepngetich, Virginia Nyambura; 5,000m - Viola Kibiwott, Irene Chemutai, Mercy Cherono; 10,000m - Vivian Cheruiyot, Betsy Saina, Sally Kipyego; Marathon - Edna Kiplagat, Jemima Jelegat, Hella Kiprop, Vaseline Jepkesho.

Men: Javelin - Julias Yego; 400m - Elphas Kishoyan; 800m - Ferguson Rotich, David Rudisha, Alfred Kipketer; 1,500m - Asbel Kiprop, Silas Kiplagat, Elijah Matonei; 3,000m SC - Ezekiel kemboi, Jairus Birech, Conceslus Kipruto, Brimin Kipruto; 5,000m - Edwin Soi, Emmanuel Kipsang, Caleb Mwangangi; 10,000m - Geoffrey Kamworor, Bedan karoki, Paul Tanui; Marathon - Wilson Kipsang, Dennis Kimetto, Mark Korir. Endi