Kenya has chosen a 33-strong squad for this year's World Championships in Athletics scheduled for August in Berlin, following trials held in Nairobi on Saturday.
In the team are three Olympic champions: Pamela Jelimo (800m), Brimin Kipruto (3,000m steeplechase) and Asbel Kiprop (1,500m).
The Kenyan trials, considered to be the second toughest after that of the United States lived to its billing by providing some electrifying moments.
The upset of the day was the loss of 800m Olympic Champion who lost to her runner up in Beijing Janeth Jepkosgei who piped her at the finishing line.
"I have to go back to the drawing board and re-strategize on my last 50 meters because that is where I lost the race," said Jelimo after the race.
Jepkosgei on her part expressed surprise with her win and said that she will strive to keep it that way in Berlin.
Asbel Kiprop, the winner in waiting for the Olympic 1,500m title electrified the crowd with a home stretch finishing kick as he cruised a crowded field, picking them out one by one to beat Harun Keitany and Augustine Choge.
The 3,000m steeplechase event saw results that might not be very different from what is expected at the games with the trio of Brimin Kipruto, Richard Mateelong and Ezekiel Kemboi finishing in that order.
Kenya got another slot courtesy of defending champion Brimin Kipruto. Former Olympic bronze medallist Paul Kipsiele Koech got the slot.
(Xinhua News Agency July 26, 2009)
