Three athletes have forfeited their chances to compete at the International University Sports Federation (FISU), the World University Games set to kick off next week in Rhine Ruhr in Germany.
George Mutinda Mutuku, Gladys Chepkoech Kosgei and Judy Chepnegtich have chosen to compete at the Athletics Kenya’s World Athletics Championships set for Tokyo in Japan.
The University Games are set to start on July 16th July 28th.
According to Kenya University Sports Federation (KUSF) Secretary General Joan Adalo, Mutinda from Embu University was set to competing both the 400m and 200m and was later replaced by Isaiah Saiyalel.
The change occurred after Athletics Kenya changed their national trials that will be held on July 22nd at the Ulizni sports Complex to select the national team for the World Championships.
“The change of dates was a big blow to us and we missed out on a big chance because the change and withdrawal have been done in the last minutes,” said Adalo.
She added that the action will affect their medals hunt in Germany because they were big medal prospects.
Chepnegitch and Kosgei who competes in the 800m and 5,000m have not been replaced due to time frame for multi-discipline sporting event.
“Looking at what they have been performing in the last events especially at the Athletics Kenya events and national trials were so good. So we had confidence in them,” added Adalo.
With 10.51 seconds in the 400m, Mutinda will be up against Brian Onchari Tinega (44.67), Kevin kipkorir (44.80) Zablon Ekhal Ekwam (45.01) among others.
Kosgei and Chepngetich will be facing off with Olympic Games 800m champion Mary Moraa, Lilian odira, Susan lokayo Ejore, Naomi Korir among others in the 9800m women.
KUSF president Alfred Kibet Rono said that they are sending a team of 34 athletes and players for the University Games.
“We have five teams and a total of 27 athletes ready to fly the Kenyan flag. We have a very good athletics team like those based in the USA, Japan and top cream students from our universities around,” said Rono.
His worry came after top athletes were selected for trials ahead of Tokyo trip, meaning they will miss out on medal.
“It is a big blow for us as KUSF but we have great players like Angela Okutoyi in tennis who is already in Berlin as well as Kael Shah. With top athletes out of team, pauses a serious challenge for reducing our chances of earning medals. However, going for world championships is so dear and they prefer going for World championships,” he said.
He added that coaches gave them the top performing students. Apart from ranking in universities we have also relied on federations to give them the best.
Kenya University Sports Federation team to 2025 World University Games
Selina Zenna Mwechande (Taekwondo), Erick Gitonga Munene (taekwondo), Ann Jumwa Mwandawiro (taekwondo), Stacy Alice (taekwondo), Derick Stanley Ominde (tennis), Kael Shah (tennis), Angela Okutoyi (tennis), Cynthia Cheruto Wanjala (tennis), Brian Ongeche Otieno (badminton), Farnandas Okwena Onchiri (badminton), Fabian Derick Odhiambo (badminton), Naomi Nelima Wandili (badminton), Patience Perpetua Onyango (badminton), Isaac Omurwa (athletics), Frida Bosibori Abuga (athletics), Julius Lotabonyi (athletics), George Mutinda Mutuku (athletics), Sarah Wanjiru (athletics), Collins Kiprotich (athletics), Gladys Chepngetich (athletics), Brian Muange Musau (athletics) and Judy Jepkoech Kosgei (athletics).
Officials
Michelle Ogweya Odhiambo (volunteer), Peter Mirigu (head coach taekwondo), Alfred Kibet Rono (head of delegation), Francis Karugu (tennis manager), Maurice Ochieng (Team manager), Joan Auma Adalo (Secretary General), Daniel Komen (Kit manager), Emmanuel Sabuni (Media Liaison) and Edward Muema (Coach athletics).