The team comprising of Brian Tinega, Mercy Adongo, Allan Kipyego and Moraa had secured second place after finishing second in Heat 2, clocking an African Record of 3:10.73 in the process, obliterating South Africa’s time of 3:11.16 that was set less than a minute earlier in Heat 1.
However, moments after the race, the final results displayed electronically showed that Kenya had been disqualified due to a lane infringement. In the same heat, Team USA, Great Britain, and South Africa secured the automatic top three qualifying spots after Kenya’s disqualification.
Kirwa blames disqualification on fear
Speaking after the disappointing race, Team Kenya coach Julius Kirwa said the 4x400m relay team had enjoyed a very good start and were on course to qualify for the final but the fear from the athlete, who stepped on the line, ended their campaign.
“The 4x400m relay team put up a lot of effort, they had a good race, they ran according to instructions, but unfortunately they were disqualified because of the mistake that happened,” said Kirwa.
“It was unfortunate that one player stepped on the line against the rules, and this sometimes happens, it was not the first time we have seen it happen.
“Mostly it happens because the athletes had fear, but we can't fault the athlete for that, we have to accept and move, and my plea to Kenyans is that we have just started the races, so they must support us, and keep praying for us. We have a good team, and I am confident of a good show in Tokyo.”
How Kenyans reacted to disqualification
A section of Kenyans took to social media to urge Team Kenya to accept the outcome and move on with the remaining races, while others felt the athlete should have done better to avoid the mistake.
“This happens even to very elite athletes. From fault starts to jumping lanes. These are technicalities brought by technology,” said Benjamin Omondi, while Tonniaz Ngetich wrote: “So sad to see top and elite athletes making such small mistakes that has cost us, because being position two in heats was direct qualification to finals.”
Maryam Maryam posed a question: “Aren't they (athletes) trained how to not do that or are they there as tourists?”, while Paul Chebugen wrote: “We can’t entertain this all the time, this is an event for elites.
“How can someone infringe when he/she knows the rules of the game? We can’t accept this, it’s damaging, the same mistake was committed by team Kenya, it is time people responsible are held to account, there’s no sorry here.”
Thabit Poppats blamed Kenya coaches for the mistake: “Why blundering? I blame our Kenyan coaches for not training the team on rules of infringement... what a shame on the global stage... what a lost opportunity.”
Kenya have competed at every edition of the World Championships in Athletics since its inception in 1983. Kenya have won the second most gold medals at the championships (after the United States) and also have the second most medals in total after the USA.
