Kenya: Kiplimo Replaces Letting As Coach in Daegu-Bound Squad

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

William Njuguna

27 July 2011

Kenya Prisons Abraham Kiplimo has replaced David Letting in the Daegu-bound team for the World Championships next month. Athletics Kenya (AK) secretary general David Okeyo said Letting, who guided the team to the world cross country championships success in Punta Umbria, Spain in March, is committed around the same period.

Okeyo said Letting will be attending a coaching course during the duration of the global championship. “Letting said he will be attending a coaching course and has already secured permission from his employers. AK have accepted his request,” added Okeyo.

Kiplimo will handle the marathoners until the departure to the world championships. Kiplimo has experience in marathon coaching, having guided Luke Kibet to the gold medal at the 2007 World Championships.

Okeyo also said athletes taking part in the Diamond Golden League are expected back in the country after the Stockholm Golden League meeting. “We gave the athletes permission to run because some of them have not run as much as they have been expected to. “However we expect them back in camp at Kasarani on August 2,” added Okeyo.

He said the federation had selected the best athletes to compete at the World Championships and expressed confidence they will do the country proud despite the late replacement of Nixon Chepseba by Daniel Kipchirchir Komen in the men’s 1,500m.

Okeyo also issued an ultimatum to the local-based athletes to report to camp today or face the axe. “Athletes who are not in camp by today will forfeit their places in the team and I want to urge them to take training seriously,” he said.

Athletes for the World Championships were due to report to Kasarani today to start preparations for the World Championships. Peter Mathu will coach the team assisted by Joseph Ochieng.

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