The journey from the collegiate tracks of the US to the national trials at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium last week was long and demanding. However, for a group of Kenyan student-athletes from various American universities, the effort was worthwhile.
Just after competing in the just concluded National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships in Eugene, Oregon, six athletes from the diaspora secured their places on Team Kenya for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, this July.
Rosemary Longisa (one mile, Iowa State University), Janet Amimo (800 metres, University of Kentucky), Rukia Nusra (100 metres hurdles, University of Kentucky), Kevin Kemboi (triple jump, Oklahoma State University), Vanice Kerubo (400 metres hurdles, University of Kentucky) and Irene Jepkemboi (javelin, Texas Christian University) said that the distance they had to travel to take part in the trials, which doubled as the Athletics Kenya National Championships, was challenging, but would not dim their dreams.
Vanice Kerubo from the University of Kentucky in the 400m hurdle Semi-finals heats action during National Athletics Championship/Trials for 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi on June 19, 2026.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Having finished their NCAA season just a week earlier, the athletes faced not only the effects of long-distance travel, but also the challenge of adjusting from competing at low altitude in the US to competing at high altitude in Nairobi.
Nevertheless, they rose to the challenge, competing against established athletes to earn their places in the national team.
Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon lies 150 metres above sea level, whereas Nairobi's altitude ranges between 1,700 and 2,400 metres.
The athletes are expected to join the residential training camp at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Nairobi, on Friday ahead of next month's games.
Leading the diaspora contingent is Longisa, one of the most promising athletes in Kenyan middle-distance running. The newly crowned NCAA 1,500 metres champion recently transferred from Washington State University to Iowa State University, where she has continued her impressive rise by securing a place in the women's one-mile team.
She will join forces with Naomi Korir and Teresia Gatweri as Kenya bids to dominate the event in Glasgow.
This selection marks another milestone in her breakthrough season, with the Commonwealth Games set to be her second appearance representing Kenya this year. In March, Longisa represented Kenya at the World Indoor Championships in Kujawy Pomorze, Poland.
In an interview, Longisa said that she has had a great season, and earning a place on the team to represent Kenya at the Commonwealth Games is a dream come true.
"Although I was tired from travelling, I managed to qualify for the Games. I love representing my country, and I will prepare well because I will be competing against some experienced distance runners," said Longisa, who is studying Sports Management in the US.
The women's 800 metres team will also feature Amimo, another US-based athlete who finished eighth at the NCAA National Championships in 1:59.82.
Rosemary Longisa (641) of Iowa State University in the US, Josephine Sembeyo (954) and Teresiah Muthoni (992) during the women’s 1500m race at the AK National Athletics Championship/Trials for 2026 Commonwealth Games at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi on June 20, 2026.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Amimo displayed remarkable determination to secure her place in Team Kenya, her success highlighting the growing influence of Kenyan student-athletes in the American collegiate system.
"It wasn't easy competing in the event just a few days after returning home. I'm excited that my hard work in training paid off. We have enough time to prepare for the Commonwealth Games, and I believe that we will make our mark as students," said Amimo.
Amimo’s colleague at the University of Kentucky, Kerubo, earned a place in the women's 400 metres hurdles after an impressive performance in the trials. Nusra, who has broken several national records in the 100 metres hurdles, will be the sole representative in her event.
Nusra became the first Kenyan to run the 100 metres hurdles in under 13 seconds during the NCAA East semi-finals, clocking 12.96 seconds, before lowering this time to 12.88 seconds in the final. She was awarded a wildcard.
In the field events, Kemboi secured his place in the men's triple jump and Jepkemboi earned her place in the women's javelin.
These achievements demonstrate that Kenyan athletes abroad are increasingly making their mark beyond their country's traditional middle- and long-distance events.
The success of these six athletes also highlights the growing contribution of Kenyan students to the American collegiate system. Over the years, the NCAA has become an important development pathway for Kenyan athletes, offering world-class facilities, competitive racing opportunities, and academic advancement.
Many of the country's athletics legends, including Olympic and World championship medallists, have gained valuable experience abroad before excelling on the global stage.
The six are part of the more than 300 athletes currently on the athletics scholarship programme in US universities.
