Aasai

Kenya has officially unveiled a powerful 58-member athletics team that will represent the country at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, scheduled to take place in Tokyo, Japan, from September 13 to 21. The squad, selected during national trials held at Ulinzi Sports Complex, features some of the world’s most celebrated track stars, including Olympic champions Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi.

The team, announced by Athletics Kenya, reflects a blend of seasoned champions and rising stars, with the goal of improving on Kenya’s impressive performance at the 2023 championships in Budapest. In that edition, Kenya bagged 11 medals—five gold, two silver, and four bronze—finishing second overall behind powerhouse United States. This year, the focus is on not just retaining Kenya’s dominance in distance running but also expanding its medal footprint across other disciplines.

One of the most remarkable moments during the trials came from the women’s 4x400m relay team, which broke the national record with an outstanding time of 3 minutes 27.50 seconds. The team—comprising Esther Mbagari, Mercy Adongo, Lanoline Aoko, and 800m world champion Mary Moraa—shaved 1.48 seconds off the previous record of 3:28.98, underlining Kenya’s growing strength in sprint events. Their performance has ignited hopes of a podium finish in a category traditionally dominated by non-African nations.

Faith Kipyegon, a triple Olympic champion and current 1500m world record holder, heads into Tokyo with immense confidence. She did not participate in the trials, having already secured her spot earlier in the season, but recently made headlines by breaking her own 1500m world record at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, clocking 3:48.68. Kipyegon is aiming for her fifth world title and will also compete in the 5000m, where she will once again face off with world record holder Beatrice Chebet in one of the most anticipated races of the competition.

Beatrice Chebet, who holds the world record in the 5000m, has also shown excellent form this season and is seen as a key medal prospect for Kenya. The rivalry between her and Kipyegon is expected to provide a thrilling spectacle in Tokyo, with both athletes looking to assert their dominance on the global stage. Chebet played a crucial role in Kenya’s medal tally in previous editions and is expected to do the same this year.

In the men’s 1500m, former World U20 champion Reynold Cheruiyot made headlines after winning his race despite battling a nagging waist injury. “I was dealing with a waist issue, but I felt the pace was manageable, so I saved my energy for the final 100 meters,” said the 20-year-old after clinching victory over former world champion Timothy Cheruiyot. Both athletes will be joined by teenage sensation Phanuel Kipkosgei, who stunned fans with his performance at the London Diamond League, winning with a new meeting record of 3:28.82.

Kenya’s hopes in the men’s steeplechase lie in the capable hands of Edmund Serem, Simon Koech, and Abraham Kibiwot. Serem, a former World U20 champion, topped the trials, confirming his return to peak form. This trio is expected to maintain Kenya’s long-standing tradition of excellence in the steeplechase, a discipline the country has historically dominated.

Another standout name is Faith Cherotich, the in-form 3000m steeplechase bronze medallist from the Paris Olympics. She qualified for Tokyo during that event and sealed her World Championship slot after dominating her race at the trials. “Now I’ll go back to the drawing board with my coach. I want to perfect my performance before Tokyo,” said the confident young star, who will be joined by Doris Lemngole and Pamela Koskei in the event.

Athletics Kenya also revealed that the squad could grow to 66 athletes if eight more hopefuls, currently awaiting qualification results or wild card invitations, are included. These include Cornelius Kemboi (5000m), Irene Jepkemboi (Javelin), Brian Komen (1500m), Celestine Biwott and Geoffrey Kipkemoi (both in steeplechase), as well as Alex Ngeno (800m). Their recent times place them among the top contenders globally, and they may qualify through Diamond League points or meet international qualification standards before the final deadline.

With a healthy mix of youth, experience, and world-class talent, Kenya’s athletics team is eyeing a dominant show in Tokyo. Athletics Kenya says preparations are in top gear, with intensive training camps expected to begin in August. Officials are confident that with the current form of athletes and their hunger for global glory, Kenya will not only match its 2023 performance but potentially surpass it to top the medal standings.