L. MathekaChepkoech, Korir new additions to World Indoor Championship team
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 15.02.24. | 10:10
The 4x400m men’s relay team is led by Boniface Mweresa who is joined by Zablon Ekwam, Kelvin Tauta and Wiseman Were
Athletics Kenya has beefed up Team Kenya's squad to the World Indoor Championships set for 24 February in Glasgow, Scotland, making two crucial additions in world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech and Naomi Korir.
The world 3000m steeplechase silver medalist Chepkoech has qualified for both the 1500m and 3000m and joins former world U20 champion Teresia Gateri who was initially the sole representative in the longer distance.
This is the second time Chepkoech will be taking part in the indoor extravaganza after her debut in the 2018 championship held in Birmingham where she finished seventh in 1500m. Speaking to Daily Nation, Chepkoech has hinted at attempting the double in Glasgow.
The pair will be hoping to emulate Hellen Obiri, the only Kenyan to win the world Indoor 3,000m title. Obiri, the only woman to have won world titles at indoor, cross country and track, claimed the 3,000m indoor title at the 2012 world title in Istanbul, Turkey.
"I will be happy to do both but I will weigh the options since I am going for nothing short of a podium finish," she told Daily Nation.
The 1,500m heats will be held on March 1 followed by the final that will be the last race in the championships two days later. The 3,000m final will be held on 2 March.
Korir, who has qualified through her superior world ranking, joins Vivian Chebet in the quest for the women's 800m honors.
The duo will be eyeing to replicate Pamela Jelimo's 2012 world indoor exploits. Jelimo is the only Kenyan woman to win the world 800m indoor title and the only other besides Margaret Nyairera to win medals in 800m.
In the men’s field, Noah Kibet and Collins Kipruto will be competing in the men’s 800m.
Reigning World Under-20 champion Reynold Cheruiyot teams up with former champion, Vincent Keter in 1500m while African 100m record holder Ferdinand Omanyala goes to battle in 60m dash.
The 4x400m men’s relay team is led by Boniface Mweresa who is joined by Zablon Ekwam, Kelvin Tauta and Wiseman Were.
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