Going into the Kenyan World Championship Trials at Nyaro Stadium in Nairobi (23-24 June), Celliphine Chespol was the odds-on favorite to win the 3000m Steeplechase, having set a new Kenyan record of 8:58.78 (all-time world no. 2) in the event at the Eugene Diamond League meeting in May. She did not disappoint, winning the event over ’17 world no. 3 Beatrice Chepkoech by the slimmest of margins, 9:34.03-to-9:34.04. Behind them, Purity Kirui‘s 3rd place finish (9:38.47) earned her the opportunity to represent Kenya in a global championship even, for the first time since winning the ’10 IAAF world junior steeplechase title.
The other Personae athletes gaining team selection included 2nd placers Kipyegon Bett in the 800m (1:44.04 = ’17 world no. 3) and Davis Kiplangat in the 5000m (13:31.7); 3rd placers Alice Aprot in the 10000m (32:16.7) and Emily Cherotich in the 800m (2:00.18); and finally Ferguson Rotich, who was awarded an at-large berth on team following his s4th place in the 800m (1:44.86 = ’17 world no. 9).
The 2017 IAAF World Championships will be held in the stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, site of the 2012 London Olympic Games.