Gallant Team Kenya to jet back tomorrow from China, after punching three World Championship tickets

Team Kenya from the just concluded World Relays in Guangzhou, China, will jet back tomorrow morning after punching three tickets for the World Championship set for Tokyo, Japan, in September.

The team is set to arrive at the JKIA aboard flight QR1335 on Tuesday, 13th May, at 6:40 am.

Kenya had secured tickets for the 4x100m men which they will be making a 2nd attempt since 4x400m men; and the 4x400m mixed relay, while the 4x400m women narrowly missed out despite setting a new national record of 3:28.20.

The 4x400m mixed relay team comprising David Sanayek, Mercy Chebet, Brian Tinega and Mercy Aoko not only secured qualification on Saturday with a seasonal best time of 3:13.10 minutes but also won a bronze medal, the only podium finish for Team Kenya.

Head Coach Stanley Towet hailed the gallant team’s performance. “These athletes have worked hard, and I am grateful that three of our four teams have qualified for the World Championships in Tokyo. In addition, we’ve broken national records in all the events. This means our preparations in Nairobi were thorough.” said Towet

Africa’s fastest man in 100m Ferdinand Omanyala,  who was part of the 4x100m history making team called on the government and Athletics Kenya to increase funding towards sprints.

“We have had a very good weekend at the World Relays. Now it’s getting down to business (in training). I am sure the whole country has seen (what we can do) and they (government and AK) need to support our preparations (for Tokyo). We need a proper training camp since the World Championships will not be a walk in the park.”Omanyala noted

Kenya finished joint ninth alongside Botswana with one bronze in the World Relays.

South Africa emerged champions with two gold and a bronze medal, followed by USA with a gold and two silver medals while Spain was 3rd with a gold and a bronze.