World 10,000m silver medalist Daniel Ebenyo Simiyu may miss out on Olympic qualification after being denied a visa ahead of the Prefontaine Classic meet in Oregon. This event is crucial as it doubles as Athletics Kenya’s Olympic team selection for Paris this year.
Alongside Ebenyo, other prominent Kenyan athletes, including Selah Jepleting, world U20 champion Benson Kiplagat, and world half marathon record holder Loice Chemnung, have also faced visa denials.
These developments pose a significant challenge for Athletics Kenya, which has already faced criticism for choosing Oregon as the venue for the 10k Olympic qualifiers.
Beatrice Chebet, the world cross country and 5,000m champion, will headline a field of 13 Kenyans, competing against strong contenders from Ethiopia, including world record holder Gudaf Tsegay and Bosena Mulatie.
Joining her are world 5,000m silver medalist Lilian Kasait and world half marathon silver and bronze medalists Margaret Chelimo and Catherine Reline.
For the men’s lineup, world silver medalist Samuel Waithaka, 2023 world cross-country gold medalist Nicholas Kimeli, Samuel Chebolei, and former world half marathon record holder Kibiwott Kandie will be key participants.
Here are the current lineups for the 10,000m Prefontaine Classic (subject to change):
10,000m Men
1. Peter Mwaniki Aila (KEN)
2. Daniel Simiu Ebenyo (KEN)
3. Kibiwott Kandie (KEN)
4. Nicholas Kipkorir (KEN)
5. Benson Kiplangat (KEN)
6. Benard Koech (KEN)
7. Francis Koumwa (KEN)
8. Edwin Kurgat (KEN)
9. Ronald Kwemoi (KEN)
10. Weldon Langat (KEN)
11. Samuel Chebolei Masai (KEN)
12. Daniel Mateiko (KEN)
13. Stanley Waithaka Mburu (KEN)
14. Gideon Kipkertich Rono (KEN)
10,000m Women
1. Emmaculate Anyango Achol (KEN)
2. Mekedes Alemeshete (ETH)
3. Catherine Reline Amanang’Ole (KEN)
4. Saron Berhe (ETH)
5. Selah Busienei (KEN)
6. Beatrice Chebet (KEN)
7. Miriam Chebet (KEN)
8. Sarah Chelangat (UGA)
9. Jesca Chelangat (KEN)
10. Loice Chemnung (KEN)
11. Faith Chepkoech (KEN)
12. Diana Chepkorir (KEN)
13. Cintia Chepngeno (KEN)
14. Janeth Chepngetich (KEN)
15. Daisy Jepkemei (KAZ)
16. Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi (KEN)
17. Ednah Kurgat (USA)
18. Bosena Mulatie (ETH)
19. Grace Loibach Nawowuna (KEN)
20. Yenawa Nbret (ETH)
21. Agnes Jebet Ngetich (KEN)
22. Lilian Kasait Rengeruk (KEN)
23. Rachel Smith (USA)
24. Gudaf Tsegay (ETH)
Mary Moraa will be the only Kenyan name running the 800m in a field that features Authing Mu of USA and Ethiopian African Games 800m Gold medalist Tsige Duguma.
Only Teresia Muthoni Gateri is drafted in the women’s 5000m race with more changes expected to the lineup as Beatrice Chepkoech, Jackline Chepkoech and Faith Cherotich line up in the 3000m steeplechase.
