AK whittle Senior Africa Championships team ahead of residential training

Athletics Kenya (AK) has cut down the number of athletes set to take part in the upcoming Senior African Athletics Championships to 55, down from an initial lost of 78. 

In a statement, the federation says it has been forced to review the list of 89 that they had considered for the championship set for 8 to 12 June in Mauritius due to 'unforseen circumstances'. 

"We regret any inconvenience caused by this change and encourage athletes who have not been selected to continue training for other upcoming events. The official selected team is required to report to camp at the Strand Hotel, Nairobi on Sunday 15 May 2022 by 5pm. The team will be training at Nyayo National Stadium," the statement reads. 

AK's initial list has 31 women and 44 men but has since been reduced to 25 women and 30 men. 

The decision seems to have mostly affected field athletes who finished in third place at the national championship that served as trial to the continental event and relay athletes who were included in the team as reserve. 

Some of the athletes affected by the move include two-time African high jump champion Mathew Sawe who was set to defend the title he won in 2018 whn the event was last held in Asaba, Nigeria. 

National javelin bronze medalist Methusela Kiprop, triple jumper Phillip Mwendwa, Simon Wachira who finished third in walking race are some of the other men who miss the championship. 

In the women's category, Rosemary Rakamba losses her chance to represent the country in hammer throw as does Grace Wanjiru in walking race. 

Former national 400m champion Hellen Syombua is also out of the team as she had only made the team as a reserve athlete in the 4x400m relay.