This archive report was first published on 6 August 2020.
Kenyan athletes bound for the Monaco leg of the World Athletics Wanda Diamond League are scheduled to undergo COVID-19 tests on Friday, August 7, 2020, as part of the protocol to enable them travel to the French principality for the August 14 meet.
Top Kenyan athletes invited for the season opener include Timothy Cheruiyot, Conseslus Kipruto, Beatrice Chepkoech, Hellen Obiri, and Faith Kipyegon.
According to Bernard Ouma, coach of world 1500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot, the athletes are required to undergo a COVID-19 test at least 72 hours before travel, while they will undergo further tests upon arrival in Monaco before setting their feet on the track.
‘We have already gone to the French Embassy for our visa appointments and on Friday we do the tests. Hopefully everything goes well and we get our clearances to travel,’ Ouma said.
He praised Athletics Kenya boss Lt Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei for playing a huge role in ensuring they get clearance to travel for the race.
‘The AK boss has been very integral in ensuring that we get clearance because of the restrictions around COVID-19. He has been the constant link between us and Monaco as well as the embassy and we are grateful,’ Ouma noted.
