Team Kenya out to defend WU-20 title in Colombia

After two days of action at the Nyayo National Stadium, Athletics Kenya had named a provisional squad of 15 men and 14 women who will represent the country at the World Under-20 Championship. 

The squad goes into residential training immediately and will have less than a month to prepare for the junior event set for 1 to 8 in Cali, Colombia. 

Kenya is out to defend the title won in the last two editions held in Tampere and Nairobi. Last year, Kenya won eight gold one silver and seven bronze medals to top the table ahead of Finland and Nigeria. 

"We are impressed with the performance our athletes have displayed and happy that we have a good representation in Cali. We have a mission to defend our title and bring more medals and I am confident the coaches will work with these athletes in training so we can take a well prepared team to the championship," offered AK president Jack Tuwei. 

The released list is a tentative one as AK had announced that only the first athlete to cross the line would get an automatic slot, if they have met all other requirements. The second slot will be decided by a panel of selectors. 

Heristone Wanyonyi, the 10,000m walking race champion and 1500m women's winner Purity Chepkirui are the only two champions who have qualified from the trials held. 

Men

10,000m walk

Herristone Wanyonyi

400m hurdles

Peter Kithome

Allocious Kipngetich

5000m 

Samuel Kibathi 

Shadrack Rono

1500m

Daniel Kimaiyo

Reynold Kipkorir

800m

Brian Kiptum

Noah Kibet

3000 steeplechase

Emmanuel wafula

Peter Rono

3000m

Michael Temoi

Edwin Kimosong

400m 

Elkanah Chemelil

Samuel Toili

Women

10,000m walk

Margaret Gati

15000m 

Purity Chepkirui

Brenda Chebet

3000m 

Betty Chelangat 

Nancy Cherop 

800m

Nelly Jepchirchir

Evelyne Chepkoech

3000m Steeplechase

Faith Cherotich

Diana Chepkemoi 

5000m 

Maurine Cherotich

Jane Gati

400m

Damaris Nduleve

Sylvia Chelangat 

Long jump

Winnie Chepngetich