By Dennis Okeyo:
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Wednesday, May 8th 2019 at 00:25 GMT +3 | AthleticsKenya’s 23-member squad departs to Yokohama, Japan, tonight for the IAAF World Relay Championships that run on Saturday and Sunday.
IAAF’s last-minute inclusion of women’s 4x400m team in the championships will help teams qualify for the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, on September 28 to October 6.
But Kenyan men’s winning time of 3:00.92 at the 2018 African Championships in Asaba, Nigeria, was not ratified since Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Nigeria, is not certified by IAAF.
Women’s 4x400m team features Hellen Syombua, Gladys Nthenya, Maureen Thomas, Neviah Michira, Everngeline Makena and Veronica Mutua.
“We have trained well. The preparations were uninterrupted and we have worked on key areas like blocks, baton exchange and speed. So we are ready for competition. We will give our best in order to get IAAF World Championships qualifying standards,” said Syombua, who was a member of the quartet that won silver in women’s 4x400m relays in 2018 African Championships. Other members were Maureen Jelagat, Veronica Mutua and Navian Michira.
Men’s 4x200m squad led by Mark Otieno features Mike Mokamba, Dan Kiviasi, Samuel Chege and Alfas Kishoyian.
Women’s 4x400m consists of speedster Joan Cherono, Millicent Ndoro, Eunice Kadogo, Diana Chebet and Freshia Mwangi.
Ferguson Rotich, the 2016 Diamond league Trophy winner and Emily Cherotich will lead the newly introduced mixed 2x2x400m relay. Other members are Collins Kipruto and Eglay Nalianya.
Maximila Imali, Haron Koech, Jared Momanyi, Maureen Thomas and Hellen Syombua carry the national flag in the 4x400m mixed relays.
Having represented Kenya at the 2015 All Africa Games in Brazzaville, Congo before taking maternity break, Thomas said she is back and to perform well in Japan.
“I spent two years in maternity. It always feels great to put on the national colours. As a team, we will give our best effort,” said Thomas.
Team’s head coach Stephen Mwaniki was optimistic the team will stage good shows.
“We have reviewed our past performance in relays and head to the World Relays hoping for a good start. Our battle exchange must be smooth and within the designated areas,” said Mwaniki.
Mwaniki will be assisted by Joyce Odhiambo and John Anzra while team manager is Daniel Pyaban of KDF assisted by Pius Kiplagat. 2013 World 3,000m steeplechase champion Milcah Chemos is also an official in the team.
The team
Women’s 4x400m
Joan Cherono
Millicent Ndoro
Eunice Kadogo
Freshia Mwangi
Diana Chebet
Neviah Michira
Men’s 4x200m
Mark Otieno
Mike Mokamba
Dan Kiviasi
Samuel Chege
Alfas Kishoyian
Women’s 4x400m
Gladys Nthenya
Maureen Nthenya
Everngeline Makena
Veronica Mutua
Hellen Syombua
Mixed relays 4x400m
Hellen Syombua
Maximila Imali
Maureen Thomas
Haron Koech
Jared Momanyi
Alfas Kishoyian
Mixed relays 2x2x400m
Collins Kipruto
Ferguson Rotich
Eglay Nalianya
Emily Cherotich
