Athletes to get Sh5 million award for breaking world record

Chicago marathon World record holder Kelvin Kiptum is received in his hometown of Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County, on October 11, 2023. [Christopher Kipsang, Standard]

Namwamba who was responding to a question asked by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei said that all invited athletes, including wild card holders, were required to participate in order to be considered for selection with all required to sign a commitment form to demonstrate dedication to the national team.

The CS told the Senate that athletes invited for trials were mandated to bring their travel documents, specifically passports, after the trials, all selected athletes were accommodated to fulfil documentation and administrative requirements.

"Once selected, athletes were expected to adhere to the rules and regulations outlined for the national team camp, athletes participating in the trials were personally responsible for collecting their own bib numbers at Nyayo Stadium on Thursday, July 6, 2023, between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm," he said.

He told the House that the first two athletes to cross the finish line were automatically selected, provided they had met the World Athletics Entry Standards, while athletes who wished to compete in multiple events were permitted to do so, but the decision to allow them to double at the world championships was at the discretion of the selection panel.

Namwamba said that, if necessary the selection panel had the authority to decide on the selection of the third athlete in the events mentioned with Wild card athletes, who have the privilege of entering a sports competition without having to go through qualifiers or meet specific ranking required to compete in the trials.

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