This archive report was first published on 17 September 2019.
Team Kenya Shifts Training Camp to Athi River ¶
As the World Championships in Doha approach, Team Kenya has relocated its residential training camp from Kasarani to Athi River, a move aimed at acclimatizing the athletes to the hot and humid conditions they will face in Qatar.
According to head coach Julias Kirwa, the team is in high spirits, with about 95% of the athletes present at the camp. However, a few athletes have been given permission to be away, and the speed work will be conducted in Kasarani.
"The team is in high spirit, up to 95 percent I can say. Everyone is in camp safe for a few who are away with my permission. The speed work bit will be done in Kasarani but today we moved to Athi River in order to help in acclimatization, which is very key in our preparation," Kirwa explained.
Despite the challenges posed by the extreme heat in Doha, Kirwa is not concerned, stating that it will be a challenge for all athletes competing in the championships. "You know of the heat and humidity in Doha, that's why we need a good plan to overcome that. On running at night, well …nobody trains at night so that will be a challenge everyone running in Doha will have to face. It will not be a Kenyan problem alone," he added.
Team Kenya has a rich history in the World Championships, having won the title in Beijing 2015 but relinquishing it to the USA in London 2017. The medal hunt in Doha will begin on the first day with the women's marathon team, led by two-time champion Edna Kiplagat, taking to the track shortly after the opening ceremony at the Sheikh Khalifa International Stadium.
Team Kenya's Squad for Doha
- 400m: Alphas Kishoyian (men), Emmanuel Korir (men), Hellen Syombua (women), Mary Moraa (women)
- 800m: Ngéno Kipng'etich (men), Emmanuel Korir (men), Ferguson Rotich (men), Eunice Sum (women), Jackline Wambui (women)
- 1,500m: Timothy Cheruiyot (men), Ronald Kwemoi (men), George Manang'oi (men), Faith Chepng'etich (women), Winnie Chebet (women)
- 3,000m steeplechase: Conseslus Kipruto (men), Leonard Bett (men), Benjamin Kigen (men), Abraham Kibiwott (men), Beatrice Chepkoech (women), Hyvin Kiyeng (women), Celliphine Chespol (women), Fancy Cherono (women)
- 5,000m: Nicholas Kipkorir Kimel (men), Hellen Obiri (women), Lilian Kasait (women), Margaret Chelimo (women)
- 10,000m: Rhonex Kipruto (men), Rodgers Kwemoi (men), Alex Oloitiptip (men), Agnes Jebet Tirop (women), Hellen Obiri (women), Rosemary Wanjiru (women)
- 20km race walk: Samuel Gathimba (men), Grace Wanjiru (women)
- Marathon: Geoffrey Kirui (men), Amos Kipruto (men), Paul Lonyangata (men), Laban Korir (men), Ruth Chepngétich (women), Edna Kiplagat (women), Visiline Jepkesho (women)
- Mixed Relay: Alphas Kishoyian (men), Alex Sampao (men), Joseph Poghisio (men), Mary Moraa (women), Gladys Musyoki (women)
- Javelin: Julius Yego (men)
- High Jump: Matthew Sawe (men)
- Officials: Joseph Kiget (Team Manager), Erastus Kabugi (Assistant Team Manager), Peninah Talam (Chaperone), Julius Kirwa (Head Coach), Richard Metto (Assistant Coach), Joseph Cheromei (Assistant Coach), Abraham Kiplimo (Assistant Coach), Ben Ouma (Assistant Coach), Shem Kororia (Assistant Coach), David Kitur (Assistant Coach), Sheila Kalunda (Assistant Coach), William Tanui (Assistant Coach), Silas Kiambata (Assistant Coach), Gedion Nyangech (Assistant Coach), Fred Oudo (Accreditation), Nahashon Kibon (Accreditation)
