Kenya seeks to rule sprint, field events at Africa athletics C' ships

Kenya has warned West Africa countries it will have a strong representation in the sprints and field event competitions at the Africa Athletics Championships in Durban South Africa starting on June 22-26.

West African countries and host South Africa have dominated the sprints and field events at the continental championships, but Kenya seeks to carve a niche in the area to boost their medal tally and also seek qualification to the Rio Olympics.

David Kitum, the team' s head coach said the country has enough strong athletes to challenge for the medals in the sprints and will not be surprised if they won two or three gold to supplement on the haul from the middle and long distance races.

"We have a good team. Very strong athletes and with good training, we expect medals in hurdles, throws and jumps," Kitum said in Nairobi on Friday.

Kenya has named a strong team of 59 for the championships, which will serve as a springing board to the Olympics, which will be held in Rio from August.

Athletics Kenya on Saturday named a squad of 59 athletes for the Africa Championships due for June 22 to 26 in Durban, South Africa.

Athletics Kenya' s senior vice-president Paul Mutwii said the upcoming athletes named in the team will have every inspiration to clock required qualification time for the Olympics and thus have a higher chance of making it to the podium.

A notable inclusion is Rebecca Kerubo in women' s hammer. Kerubo hauled 47.93 metres to win the national championships and hope she will be lucky at the continental level.

"I know I can get the extra inch to win the medals and I will put more in training to polish my throwing skills," she said Friday in Nairobi.

In the 400m, Alphas Kishoyian, who retained his national title with a fast run of 45.71, believes he is ready to rule Africa.

Kishoyian, who pulled his muscle at homestretch but still managed to retain his 400m title in 45.71, wants to make it to the Olympics while African Games 100m silver medallist Eunice Kadogo will represent Kenya in the 100m and 200m races.

Maureen Jelagat will seek her third continental medal in the 400m hurdles.

There will also be surprises in 1,500m with Judith Kiyeng, a younger sister to World 3,000m steeplechase champion Hyvin Kiyeng, lining up for Kenya.

Kenya team:

Men: Mike Mokamba (100m); William Mbevi (110mh); Mike MOkamba, Peter Mwai, Gilbert Otieno (200m); Alphas Kishoyian, Raymond Kibet, Stanley Kieti, Boniface Mweresa (400m) Nicholas Kiplagat , Jonathan Kitilit, Boaz Kiprugut (800m); Harun Koech, Boniface Mucheru, Kiprono Koskei (400mh); Vincent Leting, Timothy Cheruiyot, Eric Kiptanui (1,500m); Abraham Kibiwott, Phenus Kiplenting (3,000m s/c); Mangata Ndiwa, Peter Lagat (5,000m); Kenneth Kipkemoi, Wilfred Kimitei, Stephen Arita (10,000m), Tera Lagat (Long Jump), Elijah Kimitei (triple jump), Matthew Sawe (High jump), Nelson Yego, Alex Toroitich (Javelin); Samuel Kireri, Simon Wachira (Race walk).

Women: Eunice Kedogo (100m), Priscillah Tabunda (110mh); Eunice Kedogo, Millicent Ndoro, Mary Atanui (200m), Margaret Nyairera, Maureen Thomas, Hellen Syombua (400m), Emily Cheortich, Winnie Chebet, Sylvia Chesebe (800m); Maureen Jelagat, Jane Chege (400mh); Judy Kiyeng, Sela Jepleting, Sandra Chebet (1,500m); Lydia Rotich, Nora Jeruto, Agnes Chesang (3,000m s/c); Sheila Jepkirui, Margaret Chelimo, Sheila Chelagat (5,000m); Alice Aprot, Jackline Chepng' eno, Joyline Jepkosgei( 10,000m); Rebecca Kerubo (Hammer); Grace Wanjiru, Linda Waweru (Race walk). Endit