Favourite Zakayo floored at national trials 5,000m as youngster Kibet soars
World under 20 champion Edward Zakayo had been tipped as a favourite
on paper in the 5,000m race at the National Athletics trials to pick a
team for the World Championships, but ended finishing in a shocking
ninth position as a new order was established at Nyayo Stadium today.
Zakayo who clocked 14:02.44, after the race attributed the lacklustre
performance to having had little time to prepare for the race as he
continues his recovery from a bout of malaria and typhoid.
"I knew even before kick off that I was not going to make to the team.
I have been sick since coming back from Rabat, Morroco. I am still on
medication," said the African Games silver Medalist who is recovering
from Malaria and typhoid.
Zakayo is however wishing the team all best in Doha, urging them to
uphold teamwork and try to make a clean sweep.
"A lot can be achieved by the team we have. I wish them well. Also
should I be named in the team as reserve, I will not let the country
down," he added.
Youngster Michael Kibet beat a star studded field to cross the finish
line first and in the process qualify for the 2019 World Championships
in Doha, Qatar planned for September 27 to October 6.
The 20-year old produced a devastating kick during day one of the
national trials to convincingly carry the day in a time of 13:26.83.
Now he will be among the main hope for team Kenya in Doha, despite the
fact that he has little knowledge of the last time a Kenyan won the
race at the global championships.
He was only six years old when
Benjamin Limo upset Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele for gold at the Olympic
Stadium in Helsinki, Finland in 2005.
He will be joined by Daniel Simiyu and Nicholas Kimeli as the kenyan
trio for the championships.
