Africa-Press – Kenya. Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, and world 800m champion Lilian Odira headline a formidable cast of 818 athletes invited for next week’s Athletics Kenya (AK) combined trials for the World Relays and the African Senior Athletics Championships.
The World Athletics Relays are slated for May 2–3 in Gaborone, while the African Senior Athletics Championships will follow on May 12–17 in Accra. The trials are set for Ulinzi Sports Complex on April 9-11.
The federation has outlined clear selection criteria for the relay teams, placing a premium on podium finishes at the trials. “For 4x100m men and 4x100m mixed (male athletes), a total of nine male athletes will be selected,” the federation stated.
“The first five athletes to cross the finish line in the men’s 100m will be automatically selected, alongside the fastest two in the men’s 200m, with the remaining places to be filled by a selection panel.”
“For the 4x100m mixed (female athletes), the first three athletes across the line will be selected.”
A similar framework will apply to the 4x400m men and 4x400m mixed teams, with nine male athletes set to make the cut. “The fastest six athletes to cross the finish line in the men’s 400m final will be automatically selected, with the remaining three chosen by the panel of selectors.”
On the women’s side, depth will also be key, with a total of nine athletes earmarked for the 4x400m and mixed relay squads. “For the 4x400m women and 4x400m mixed (female athletes), a total of nine female athletes will be selected. The fastest six athletes in the women’s 400m final will automatically qualify.”
Leading the sprint charge is Omanyala, who will line up alongside the fastest Kenyan this season, Brown Muthara, in what promises to be a blistering showdown on the straight. The women’s sprint ranks will be marshalled by seasoned campaigner, Millicent Ndoro, alongside three-time national champion, Esther Mbagari.
For the African Championships, AK has made participation at the trials mandatory for all invited athletes, underlining the importance of merit-based selection. “Participation is mandatory for all invited athletes. Athletes selected must have met the CAA entry standards for the African Senior Athletics Championships 2026,” the governing body said.
The federation clarified its selection blueprint for the continental showpiece. “In events where three athletes are required, the first two to cross the finish line will be automatically selected, with the third picked by a panel of selectors,” AK said. “In events where one or two athletes are required, the fastest athlete(s) across the finish line will automatically qualify.”
However, race walk athletes will earn their tickets through a different route, with selection pegged on performances at the global stage. “Athletes for race walking will be selected during the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships to be held on April 12, in Brazil,” the statement added.
Among the standout names for the African Championships trials is Odira, who will be joined by world 1500m silver medallist Dorcus Ewoi in the middle-distance ranks.
Also in the mix is 2016 Olympic javelin silver medallist Julius Yego, a five-time African champion whose dominance spans Porto-Novo 2012 (76.68m), Marrakech 2014 (84.72m), Asaba 2018 (77.34m), Port Louis 2022 (79.62m) and Douala 2024 (80.24m). The women’s javelin contest will feature 2023 African U20 silver medallist and national record holder Irene Jepkemboi.
On the distance front, 2023 African 10,000m champion Janeth Chepng’etich and 2023 World U20 cross country champion Ishmael Rokitto headline the 25-lap contest.
