NAIROBI, Sept. 16 -- Kenya's prospects at the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships have been dealt a major blow after world 1,500m champion Elijah Manangoi pulled out of the tournament with an ankle injury.
Manangoi, who had also failed to compete at Kenya's trials to select the national team, had received a wildcard selection as the defending champion, but announced on Monday that he would miss the championships held in Doha, Qatar from September 28 to October 6.
"It is sad that I am not able to defend my 1,500m title in Doha due to an ankle injury I picked up in training. I have no choice," Manangoi said on Monday in Nairobi.
However, his withdrawal does not mean Kenya will pass up the chance to defend the title. Three-time IAAF Diamond League series champion Timothy Cheruiyot, 2017 Africa 1,500m bronze medalist Ronald Kwemoi and Manangoi's younger brother George will now represent Kenya at the global showpiece.
The last three times he ran, Cheruiyot was forced to settle for silver - at the Commonwealth Games, World Championships and Africa Championships. However, the 26-year-old is now angling for the winner's podium in Manangoi's absense.
It will be Cheruiyot's third appearance at the World Championships, having finished seventh in 2017 in Beijing before taking silver at the 2017 Worlds in London, where he lost out to Manangoi.
Nicknamed the Lion, Manangoi expects to be back in action soon and is pushing for his inclusion in Kenya's team for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020.
"Only God knows why, but I want all my fans across the world to continue having faith in me," added Manangoi.
He was also gracious in his misfortune, urging his teammates to win the championship for him in Doha.
"All the best to my teammates, world silver medalist Cheruiyot and my younger brother world junior champion George [Manangoi] and Kwemoi. Bring it back home, guys," Manangoi added.
With Manangoi injured, Kenya still has the chance to replace him, with Kumari Taki the most likely candidate.
With two wildcards at its disposal, Kenya has the possibility to name up to four athletes in the 1,500m race.