Kipyegon, Chebet lead Kenya's charge as 58 athletes named for World Championships in Tokyo
Tuwei announced that the team would immediately begin residential training at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, as Nairobi prepares to host the African Nations Championships (CHAN) from August 2 to 30.
A team of 58 athletes have been named to represent Kenya at the 2025 World Athletics Championships set for September 13 to 21 in Tokyo, Japan.
The squad was unveiled by Athletics Kenya (AK) following intense national trials staged at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, where the top two finishers in each discipline earned automatic selection, provided they had met the qualifying times. A third athlete in each event was picked by a special selection panel.
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Speaking after naming the team, AK President Jack Tuwei expressed confidence in the athletes, saying they will make Kenya proud.
“I want to wish them well and believe they will do the country proud at the World Championships. This is a team of champions… selected today… based on the tough competition that was witnessed,” he said.
The team features Kenya’s top track stars, including triple Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon, double Olympic 5000m and 10,000m champion Beatrice Chebet, Olympic 3000m steeplechase bronze medalist Faith Cherotich, and Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi.
Tuwei announced that the team would immediately begin residential training at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, as Nairobi prepares to host the African Nations Championships (CHAN) from August 2 to 30.
“From here, the team will immediately start training at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret. We have done this so as not to waste any time but begin preparations as we wait for CHAN to continue. Once it is over, we will bring the team back to Nairobi for final preparations before they head to Tokyo,” he said.
He further acknowledged the support from corporate sponsors, including New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC), Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Betika, crediting them for their role in the success of the team’s ‘Road to Tokyo’ programme.
“We are very grateful to our sponsor for the support they have given us. Remember in October last year, we came up with the ‘Road to Tokyo’ plan… These trials are part of that Road to Tokyo. Our partners have been crucial to its success, and we are looking for more,” Tuwei said.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, who graced the team’s unveiling, said the fierce competition during the trials was a strong indication of the team’s medal potential in Tokyo.
“This year’s national trials and the competition witnessed at this event give us hope that we are in for a medal harvest, come September in Tokyo. A huge congratulations to all the athletes who have been selected in the team,” Mvurya added.
He assured the athletes of the government’s full backing as they commence preparations.
“You can be sure of the government’s full support as you embark on preparations, as well as the support of all Kenyans who have never tired of cheering you in the stadiums and on televisions. As government, we are also thankful to the different corporates who have worked with AK to make this event a success,” he said.
Kenya will be aiming to add to its 171-medal tally in the history of the World Championships.
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