Kenya's Strong Squad for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo
Kenya has announced a formidable team that will represent the country at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, set to take place in Tokyo, Japan, from September 13 to 21. The selection process involved rigorous trials held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Tuesday, July 22, with the final squad still being finalized as some athletes have until August 24 to meet the required qualification standards set by World Athletics.
The national team is composed of a mix of defending champions and emerging talents, showcasing Kenya’s deep talent pool in athletics. The selection process saw the top two finishers automatically qualify if they met the required performance standards, while a third athlete was chosen by the Athletics Kenya (AK) panel.
Key Athletes Leading the Charge
Faith Kipyegon, a triple world and Olympic champion, will be the face of the Kenyan team as she aims for another global title. She did not participate in the national trials because she is the defending world champion in both the 1500m and 5000m, earning her a wild card. Kipyegon recently broke her own world record in Eugene and expressed her determination to continue pushing her limits.
“I am always looking for ways to improve. I had a good season so far, and I'm excited about the upcoming World Championships. I hope to arrive in Tokyo injury-free and compete at my best,” she said.
In the women’s 1500m, Kipyegon will be joined by Nelly Chepchirchir and Susan Ejore. For the women’s 5000m, the lineup includes Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, and Agnes Jebet. Chebet recently set a new world record in the event and will also compete in the 10000m, where she holds the world record.
Notable Inclusions and Exemptions
Ferdinand Omanyala, the fastest man in Africa, was not required to compete in the trials as he had already met the qualifying time of 10 seconds or less. Similarly, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the men’s 800m Olympic champion, was excused from the trials and received direct qualification. Mary Moraa, the defending world champion in the women’s 800m, was also granted a wild card.
At 36 years old, Julius Yego will be the oldest member of the team, competing in the men’s javelin. He previously won the 2015 world title in Beijing.
Full List of Kenya’s Team for the 2025 World Athletics Championships
Men’s 100m
- Ferdinand Omanyala
Women’s 400m
- Mercy Adongo Oketch
Men’s 400m
- George Mutinda, Brian Onyari Tinega, Kevin Kipkorir
Men’s 400m Hurdles
- Wiseman Were Mukhobe
Women’s 800m
- Mary Moraa (Defending champion), Lilian Odira, Vivian Chebet Kiprotich, Sarah Moraa
Men’s 800m
- Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Nicholas Kiplangat Kebenei, Kelvin Kimtai Loti
Women’s 1500m
- Faith Kipyegon (Defending champion), Nelly Chepchirchir, Susan Lokayo Ejore, Dorcas Ewoi
Men’s 1500m
- Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech, Reynold Cheruiyot, Timothy Cheruiyot
Women’s 3000m Steeplechase
- Faith Cherotich, Doris Lemngole Cherop, Pamela Kosgei
Men’s 3000m Steeplechase
- Edmund Serem, Simon Kiprop Koech, Abraham Kibiwot
Women’s 5000m
- Faith Kipyegon (Defending champion), Beatrice Chebet, Agnes Jebet Ngetich, Margaret Akidor
Men’s 5000m
- Nicholas Kipkorir
Women’s 10000m
- Beatrice Chebet, Agnes Jebet Ngetich, Janeth Chepng’etich
Men’s 10000m
- Edwin Kurgat, Ishmael Rokitto Kipkurui, Benson Kiplangat
Women’s Marathon
- Peris Jepchirchir, Jackline Cherono, Magdaline Masai Yeko, Vivian Jepkemei Cheruiyot (Reserve)
Men’s Marathon
- Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich, Erick Kiplagat Sang, Kennedy Kimutai, Hillary Kipkoech (Reserve)
Men’s Javelin
- Julius Yego
Men’s 4x100m
- Ferdinand Omanyala, Steve Onyango Odhiambo, Meshack Kitsubuli Babu, Mark Otieno Odhiambo, Dennis Mwai, Clinton Aluvi Owatinya, Isaac Kundu Omurwa
Mixed/Men’s 4x400m
- Allan Kipyego, Boniface Ontuga Mweresa, Zablon Ekhal Ekwam, Dennis Masika Mulongo, David Sanayek Kapirante, Kelvin Kiprotich Tonui
4x400m Mixed Women’s
- Mercy Chebet, Lanoline Aoko, Esther Mbagari
Additional Highlights
Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Phanuel Koech made headlines after earning significant earnings at the London Diamond League. Wanyonyi secured his fourth Diamond League win in the men’s 800m, defeating his rival Marco Arop. Meanwhile, Koech claimed victory in the men’s 1500m, beating world champion Josh Kerr. These performances highlight the strength of Kenya’s athletic program and its ability to produce world-class competitors.
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