Manangoi pulls out of Doha World Champs

World 1,500m champion Elijah Manangoi will not defend his tittle in the upcoming World Championships slated for September 27-October 6 in Doha, Qatar.

Manangoi, who sat out the national trials on Friday has opted out of Kenya’s team to Doha after revealing he’s battling a nagging ankle injury.

The African Champion was among a host of athletes who had secured slots to the global competitions by virtue of being the defending champions.

Three-time IAAF Diamond League series champion Timothy Cheruiyot, World junior champion George Manangoi- the younger brother of Elijah and Ronald Kwemoi will now represent Kenya in the global showpiece.

While announcing the heart-breaking news on his Facebook page Monday afternoon, Manangoi wished the trio all the best as they prepare for the Worlds.

“Sad that I am not able to defend my 1,500m title in Doha WC due to an ankle injury I picked in training. I had no choice; we have to safe career for the sake of Olympics Games. It is not my fault but God knows but God knows the reason why. All my fans in the world continue having faith in me. All the best to my team mates, World silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot and my younger brother World Junior champion George Manangoi and Ronald Kwemoi.

Bring it back home guys,” Manangoi posted on his official Facebook page.

His teammate Cheruiyot, who won silver in London, has immediately reacted to the unexpected withdrawal.

“It is too sad bro, we will miss you. Get well soon bro…” posted Cheruiyot, the 1,500m winner during the Doha trials at the Nyayo National Stadium last week.

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