The world of athletics breathed a collective sigh of relief this week when it was announced that Kenyan athletes will be able to attend the World Athletics Wanda Diamond League event on August 14 in Monaco.
The Monaco meet will mark the resumption of international athletics competitions in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. Kenya’s Timothy Cheruiyot, Conseslus Kipruto, Beatrice Chepkoech, Hellen Obiri and Faith Kipyegon will all attend after undergoing a COVID-19 test at least 72 hours before travel. They will undergo further tests upon arrival in Monaco.
It took a great deal of behind the scenes work to ensure the Kenyan athletes could travel to Monaco, but without them the contest would present hollow victories for the event winners.
According to a number of reports, Athletics Kenya chief Jackson Tuwei was instrumental in negotiating the green light for Kenya’s top athletes to compete at the landmark event, which takes place next Friday evening at Stade Louis II.
PHOTO: Jackson Tuwei