Five Kenyan stars to miss 2026 Diamond League final in Brussels

Kenya will be without five of its leading athletes when the 2026 Diamond League season concludes in Brussels on Friday and Saturday. Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, Ferdinand Omanyala, Reynold Cheruiyot and Mary Moraa are all set to miss the final, where the winner in each event will claim the Diamond League Trophy and $30,000 (Ksh3.8 million).

Kipyegon is the most decorated absentee. The five-time Diamond League champion has been managing a hamstring problem since July and competed at the Prefontaine Classic and in Paris despite the injury. She has now chosen recovery over further competition, making this her second consecutive absence from the final. Her 2025 withdrawal was linked to preparations for the World Championships.

Chebet will also miss the Brussels meeting for a second year in succession, but for a different reason. The two-time Diamond League champion, who won the trophy in 2022 and 2024, has spent this season focused on motherhood and is expected to return to competition in 2027. Her absence removes a leading contender from the 5,000m event.

Omanyala had qualified for the 100m final after missing out in 2025 and was seeking a first Diamond League trophy. However, the 2022 Commonwealth champion withdrew days before the meeting after suffering a severe foot injury. The setback ends his bid to challenge for the title in Brussels.

Cheruiyot failed to reach the final in the 1,500m after a difficult series. The world bronze medallist finished fifth or lower in his Diamond League races, leaving him outside the qualifying places for the season-ending event.

Moraa is absent for a second straight year after another troubled campaign. The 2022 and 2024 800m champion has not competed in a Diamond League race in 2026 and has also been affected by personal issues and poor form over the past two seasons. Her return to the final, and her prospects of making the 2027 World Championships, will depend on a stronger season next year.