(L-R) Sammy Kibet, Job Koech Kinyor, Ferguson Cheruiyot Rotich and Kirongo Alfred Kipketer of Kenya celebrate after winning the Mens 4×800 metres relay (Getty Images) © Copyright
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 5 – World U20 champion Kipyegon Bett and Ferguson Rotich, the 2016 IAAF Diamond League winner in the 800m, lead Kenya’s 30-member squad to the IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas 2017 in Nassau on 22-23 April.
Bett earned his spot after out-kicking Rotich in the 800m at the Athletics Kenya Relay National Trials in Nairobi last weekend, clocking 1:44.7.
Rotich will bring valuable experience to the competition after appearances in each of the two previous editions of the IAAF World Relays. In 2014 he ran the lead-off leg on the victorious 4x800m squad. In 2015 he ran the third leg on the silver medal-winning distance medley quartet.
Meanwhile, the women’s 4×800 quartet includes Mary Wangari Kuria, the 2012 African Championships 1500m silver medallist, and Silvia Chesebe, a member of the silver medal-winning quartet at the World Relays in 2014 that clocked an African record.
The team also includes African championships 400m silver medallist Boniface Mweresa and Geoffrey Kiprotich, the fourth place finisher over 400m at the IAAF World U20 Championships Bydgoszcz 2016, who were named to the mixed 4x400m relay.
Kenyan team for the IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas 2017
MEN –
4x200m:
Ferdinand Omanya
Collins Omae
Peter Mwai
Mark Otieno
Mike Mokamba
4x800m:
Kipyegon Bett
Ferguson Rotich
Alfred Kipketer
Cornelius Tuwei
Timothy Kitu
WOMEN –
4x200m:
Damaris Akoth
Peris Chege
Mary Tanui
Maximila Emali
Patricia Isichi
4x400m:
Jacinta Shikanda
Grace Kidake
Everline Makena
Catherine Nandi
Veronica Mutua
4x800m:
Silvia Chesebe
Emily Cherotich
Mary Kuria
Eglay Nalianya
Josephine Chelagat
Mixed 4x400m:
Boniface Mweresa
Alfas Kishoyian
Geoffrey Kiprotich
Daisy Komen
Betty Chelagat
