Wanyonyi headlines Team Kenya as the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships starts in Budapest

Reigning Olympic and World Champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi will captain a Team Kenya of 14 athletes at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships, kicking off this Friday night in Budapest, Hungary. Wanyonyi recently claimed the Diamond League title for the fourth time, and will be vying for a Ksh 19 million prize for victory in Budapest this week.

Other Kenyans joining the 381 athletes from 65 countries include 2019 World Champion Timothy Cheruiyot in the 1500m, rising star Phanuel Kosgei, and Jacob Krop who returns to compete in the 5,000m event, just three years after claiming bronze in the same competition. Additionally, reigning African Javelin champion Julius Yego will test his abilities in the field event.

Mercy Oketch, the first Kenyan to compete on Friday night in the 400m heats, is also part of the 4x400m mixed relay team alongside George Mutinda, Boniface Mweresa, Kelvin Kiprotich, and Lanoline Aoko. This championship, offering Ksh 19.4 million in prize money per winner, gathers 2024 Olympic champions, 2025 World Champions, and 2026 Diamond League winners competing across 28 track and field events.