This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
Kenya's 1,500m world champion Elijah Manangoi will not defend his title at the World Championships in Doha, Qatar, from September 27 to October 6, 2019.
Manangoi, who sat out the national trials on Friday, has opted out of Kenya's team to Doha due to a nagging ankle injury he picked up in training.
As a result, three-time IAAF Diamond League series champion Timothy Cheruiyot, world junior champion George Manangoi, and Ronald Kwemoi will represent Kenya in the global showpiece.
Manangoi announced his withdrawal on his Facebook page, citing the need to prioritize his career for the sake of the Olympics.
"Sad that I am not able to defend my 1,500m title in Doha WC due to an ankle injury I picked in training. I had no choice; we have to save our career for the sake of Olympics Games. It is not my fault but God knows the reason why. All my fans in the world continue having faith in me. All the best to my teammates, World silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot and my younger brother World Junior champion George Manangoi and Ronald Kwemoi.
Bring it back home guys," Manangoi posted on his official Facebook page. Cheruiyot, who won silver in London, reacted to Manangoi's withdrawal, saying, "It is too sad bro, we will miss you. Get well soon bro…"
