Athletics Kenya unrepentant after blocking Mathew Sawe from defending African javelin title

Athletics Kenya have remained remorseless after blocking 23 athletes from making the trip to CAA African Athletics Championships in Mauritius

Last week, Athletics Kenya (AK) whittled down the number of athletes to 55 from an initial list of 75. 

Senior vice president and director of competitions Paul Mutwii has since explained that the changes were necessitate by the quota allocation by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) in Mauritius. 

AK whittle Senior Africa Championships team ahead of residential training

He further explained the criteria used to drop the athletes that had previously been named for the Championship set for 8 to 12 June. 

"We first considered the top two finishers in our core events so most third-placed athletes had to be dropped. We also gave priority to events that we are highly likely to bag medals and that meant most field events and the relays and sprints were affected," Mutwii said. 

However, one of their selections, the men's high jump, moved away from this criteria as two-time African Champion Mathew Sawe who is in France readying for his title defence in Mauritius among other upcoming events was axed despite being the national champion. 

Mozzart Sport reached out to the athlete and he confirmed that he had not withdrawn from the continental competition, saying he was equally surprised to learn that he had been dropped. 

"I still believe I am the national champion. I managed a 2.12m clearance at the national championship at first attempt then stopped while my competitor did that in his third attempt. The move to have me dropped came as a surprise and I do not know whether any changes will be effected," said Sawe. 

At the last African Championship held in Asaba, Nigeria, Sawe matched his PB, clearing 2.30 to win the continental title for a second time. 

Asked why the same criteria as in other disciplines was not used for the high jump selection, Mutwii told Mozzart Sport that the federation reserved the right to include athletes to any team and they were preserving Sawe for other events. 

"He is engaged elsewhere," Mutwii responded at first but on seeking further clarification as the athlete had already revealed that he is available to compete in Mauritius the tune changed. 

"We are looking at fielding him in other championships that fit his stature as an athlete. We also reserve the right to include athletes in any Team Kenya assignment," Mutwii said.