Star-studded field to battle out in Kenyan Olympics trials

Athletics Kenya is set to host the Olympic trials at the Nyayo National Stadium from June 14 to 15, unveiling a roster of invited athletes.

Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, will headline the men’s 100m, facing stiff competition from former national champion Mark Otieno, Tyson Juma, and Dan Kiviasi. Omanyala's outdoor season has seen mixed results, including a fifth-place finish at the Kip Keino Classic, second-place finishes at the Atlanta City Games and Prefontaine Classic, and a third-place finish at the Racers Grand Prix.

In the women's 100m, national champion Esther Mbagari will compete against Monica Safania, Millicent Ndoro, and Eunice Kadogo, with Rukia Nusra doubling in the 100m and 100m Hurdles. The men’s 110m Hurdles will feature William Mbevi, while the women's 200m includes Veronica Mutua, Loice Moraa, and Gladys Mumbe, alongside many 100m competitors.

The men’s 200m will be led by emerging talent Samuel Chege, joined by Mike Mokamba, Moses Onyango, Stephen Oluoch, and Wiseman Were.

National champion Zablon Ekwam and world 800m champion Mary Moraa will headline the men’s and women’s 400m races, respectively. In the men’s 400m Hurdles, Were will compete against Moitalel Mpoke, Peter Kithome, and Mbevi, with Jane Chege and Vanice Nyagisera leading the women’s race.

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Moraa will also compete in the 800m, facing Nelly Chepchirchir, Sarah Moraa, Naomi Korir, and Vivian Kiprotich. The men’s 800m will feature rising star Emmanuel Wanyonyi against Aaron Kemei, Wycliffe Kinyamal, Alex Ngeno, Emmanuel Korir, and Ferguson Rotich. Double world record holder Faith Kipyegon will headline the women’s 1500m and also contest the 5000m. The men’s 1500m will attract Reynold Cheruiyot, Timothy Cheruiyot, Abel Kipsang, and Brian Komen.

World record holder Beatrice Chepkoech will lead the women’s 3000m steeplechase, competing against Jackline Chepkoech and Faith Cherotich.

Amos Serem will headline the men’s steeplechase, joined by his younger brother Edmund Serem, Simon Koech, and Abraham Kibiwott.

In the women’s 5000m, Beatrice Chebet will challenge Kipyegon, Lilian Kasait, and Margaret Chelimo, while the men’s 5000m will feature Jacob Krop, Nicholas Kimeli, Daniel Simiu, and Stanley Waithaka.

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