Athletics Kenya (AK) have announced a strong team of 50 athletes to represent the East African nation at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
The team features all seven of Kenya’s world champions: David Rudisha, Asbel Kiprop, Ezekiel Kemboi, Nicholas Bett, Vivian Cheruiyot, Hyvin Kiyeng and Julius Yego.
Athletics Kenya also included newly minted African high jump champion from Durban 2016, Mathew Sawe, in the team. Sawe is the only other field eventer besides World javelin champion Julius Yego.
The 50 athletes will be coached by Julius Kirwa at the Kipchoge High Altitude training centre residential camp in Eldoret, and will be captained by World and Olympic champion Ezekiel Kemboi to Rio.
Since additions can still be made to the team before the 11 July deadline, a third runner in the men’s 5000m is expected to be named at a later date.
Kenya will award Olympic gold medalists a sum of Ksh. 1 million, silver medalists will earn Ksh. 750 000 and bronze winners will earn Ksh. 500 000.
The athletics programme at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games is scheduled to run from 12-21 August.
Team Kenya – Rio 2016
MEN:
200m: Carvin Nkanata, Mike Mokamba
400m and 4x400m: Alphas Kishoyan, Raymond Kibet, Alex Sampao, Boniface Mweresa
800m: Alfred Kipketer, Ferguson Rotich, David Rudisha
1500m: Asbel Kiprop, Elijah Manangoi, Ronald Kwemoi
5000m: Caleb Mwangangi Ndiku, Isaiah Kiplangat Koech
10,000m: Paul Tanui, Charles Yosei, Geoffrey Kamworor, Bedan Karoki
Marathon: Eliud Kipchoge, Stanley Biwott, Wesley Korir
3000m steeplechase: Brimin Kipruto, Conceslus Kipruto, Ezekiel Kemboi
400m hurdles: Nicholas Bett, Boniface Mucheru, Haron Koech
High jump: Mathew Sawe
Javelin: Julius Yego
20km race walk: Samuel Gathimba, Simon Wachira
WOMEN:
400m: Maureen Jelagat, Margaret Wambui
800m: Margaret Wambui, Eunice Sum, Winnie Chebet
1500m: Faith Kipyegon, Nancy Chepkwemoi, Viola Lagat
5000m: Vivian Cheruiyot, Hellen Obiri, Mercy Cherono
10,000m: Vivian Cheruiyot, Betsy Saina, Alice Aprot
Marathon: Jemima Sumgong, Helah Kiprop, Visline Jepkesho
3000m steeplechase: Hyvin Kiyeng, Beatrice Chepkoech, Lydia Rotich
400m hurdles: Maureen Jelagat
20km race walk: Grace Wanjiru
