Moraa, Kipyegon in as Athletics Kenya name team for Tokyo World Championship
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 22.07.25. | 21:28
A handful of athletes will seek to hit qualification times so as to make it to the team
World 800m champion Mary Moraa is set to return to the global stage with renewed confidence after a stellar performance at the Athletics Kenya (AK) national trials held on Tuesday, 22 July at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
The trials marked the final selection of Kenya’s squad for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
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Moraa, who has endured a turbulent start to the season, showed flashes of her world-class form in Belgium over the weekend, winning the 400m at the Night of Athletics.
That performance proved to be the turning point she needed, and she carried the momentum into the trials, where she not only excelled in the individual events but also played a key role in Kenya’s record-breaking 4x400m relay team.
“I had some issues earlier this season, but I am glad I have found my rhythm again. I feel ready to defend my title and make Kenya proud in Tokyo," Moraa said.
Moraa teamed up with Mercy Chebet, Mercy Adongo, and Lanolin Aoko to clock an impressive 3:27.50 in the women’s 4x400m relay, shattering the national record of 3:28.02.
Later, she returned to the track to win her 400m semifinal in a commanding 50.92 seconds.
Olympic champions; Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi, alongside former world champions; Julius Yego and Timothy Cheruiyot, headline Team Kenya for the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
This year’s edition will take place in Tokyo, Japan, from September 13 to 21, with Kenya aiming to improve on the 2023 performance in Budapest, Hungary, where the team collected 10 medals, three gold, three silver, and four bronze.
In the sprints, Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala is the sole Kenyan representative in the men’s 100m, while Mercy Oketch will fly the flag in the women’s 400m.
The men’s 400m squad features George Mutinda, Brian Tinega, and Kevin Kipkorir.
Wiseman Were will represent Kenya in the men’s 400m hurdles.
Moraa, who secured a wild card entry, leads the women’s 800m team that also includes; Lilian Odira, Vivian Kiprotich, and Sara Moraa.
In the men’s 800m, Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi anchors a team that includes Nicholas Kebenei and Kelvin Kimtai.
The women’s 1500m team features three-time world champion Faith Kipyegon, Nelly Chepchirchir, Susan Ejore, and Dorcas Ewoi.
On the men’s side, the squad includes Phanuel Koech, Reynold Cheruiyot, and former world champion Timothy Cheruiyot.
In the 3,000m steeplechase, Olympic and world bronze medalist Faith Cherotich is joined by Doris Cherop and Pamela Kosgei on the women’s team, while the men’s lineup includes Edmund Serem, Simon Koech, and Abraham Kibiwot.
Defending 5,000m world champion Kipyegon will once again attempt a double, having claimed both the 1,500m and 5,000m titles in Budapest.
She is joined by Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet, Agnes Jebet Ngetich, and Margaret Akidor.
Nicholas Kipkorir is the only Kenyan male athlete confirmed so far in the 5,000m.
In the 10,000m, the women’s team comprises Chebet, Ngetich, and Agnes Kipngetich, while Edwin Kurgat, Ishmael Kipkurui, and Benson Kiplangat make up the men’s team.
The women’s marathon team includes; former Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir, Jackline Cherono, Magdaline Masai, and reserve Vivian Cheruiyot.
The men’s marathon team features Vincent Ngetich, Erick Sang, Kennedy Kimutai, and reserve Hillary Kipkoech.
Julius Yego, a former world champion, is Kenya’s sole javelin representative.
Several athletes remain on the cusp of qualification, including; Cornelius Kemboi and Mathew Kipsang in the 5,000m, javelin thrower Irene Jepkemboi, and long jumper Winny Bii, who are all seeking to meet the qualifying standards in time.
