Kenya has unveiled a formidable athletics squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with world champions Lilian Odira and Faith Cherotich expected to spearhead the country’s medal ambitions. The team was selected following the Athletics Kenya national championships and trials held at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, where the nation’s best athletes battled for places on the prestigious squad.
Odira, the reigning women’s 800m world champion, heads into the Games as one of Kenya’s brightest hopes. The middle-distance star has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past two years, culminating in her historic world title triumph in 2025. Her performances have established her among the leading 800m runners in the world, and she will be aiming to add a Commonwealth Games gold medal to her growing collection. Athletics Kenya officials have expressed confidence that Odira has the talent and experience required to challenge for the top prize in Glasgow.
Joining her is Faith Cherotich, the women’s 3000m steeplechase world champion and one of the most exciting young talents in global athletics. Cherotich has consistently demonstrated her ability to compete with the best on the international stage, and her world title has elevated expectations ahead of the Commonwealth Games. Kenya has traditionally dominated the steeplechase events, and Cherotich will be expected to continue that proud legacy in Scotland.
The Kenyan squad is packed with experienced stars and emerging talents across a range of disciplines. Sprint sensation Ferdinand Omanyala, the defending Commonwealth Games 100m champion, will once again carry the nation’s hopes in the short sprints. Omanyala remains one of Africa’s fastest men and will be aiming to successfully defend the title he won in Birmingham in 2022. Former world 1500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot has also secured a place in the team and is expected to be a strong contender in the middle-distance events.
Other notable athletes named in the squad include African champion Kelvin Loti in the 800m, world bronze medallist Edmund Serem in the men’s steeplechase, veteran javelin thrower Julius Yego, and national decathlon record holder Edwin Too. The women’s team also features talented athletes such as Mercy Oketch, Diana Wanza, and Celestine Biwott, providing Kenya with strength across both track and field disciplines.
Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei expressed satisfaction with the quality of athletes selected, noting that the trials produced a strong and competitive team capable of delivering medals. He urged the athletes to represent the country with pride and determination as they prepare for one of the biggest sporting events on the Commonwealth calendar.
The Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, and Kenya will once again be among the leading nations in athletics. With world champions Odira and Cherotich leading the charge, alongside proven stars such as Omanyala and Cheruiyot, expectations are high that Team Kenya can return home with a significant medal haul and further cement the country’s reputation as a global athletics powerhouse.
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