Kenya confused about WMA eligibility as it points toward Perth

Kip Keino in 2014

Well, good. Kenya has announced it will send masters to Perth worlds. But the wording of a story in The Star newspaper suggests someone didn’t get the memo on starting ages. (It’s 35 for everybody, not just women). Also, the story refers to trials. None needed. In any case, it’s worth celebrating that M75 Olympic legend Kip Keino is listed as an honorary member of the Kenyan masters board. Trials may suggest that Kenya will subsidize travel for its best athletes. But dangit! Don’t give readers the impression you have to qualify for worlds. You don’t!

Here’s the story, in case link dies.

Kenya will be seeking their debut at the World Athletics Masters Championships set for Perth, Australia between October 26 and November 6, 2016.

This follows the formation of the Masters Athletics Kenya drawing membership from the country’s athletics great of yesteryears.

The association has already appointed an interim office of 11 members led by renowned coach Barnaba Kitilit as the president.

Others are Sarah Chepkonga (vice president), Bernard Chepkonga (secretary general), Catherine Ndereba (treasuer), Joseph Ilovi (technical director), Elizabeth Olaba (public relations officer), Kipchoge Keino (honorary member), Stephen Ole Marai (member and a trident of co-opted members in Barnaba Korir, Francis Nyatome and Nicholas Bailashia.

Chepkonga said: “Our main objective is to see Kenya feature at the World Masters Championships in Perth for the first time since 1971.”

“We are going to host trials just like Athletics Kenya (to whom we are affiliates) do.”

“Our membership will be drawn from retired athletes of 35 years for women and 40 years for men.”

“However, we will in due course embrace members of the public who fall under the threshold indicated,” he added.

“Apart from engaging in competitive activities, we shall also engage members of public in recreational projects to show that we can use sports to further good health.”