Peres Jepchirchir said on Wednesday she was relishing her imminent return to Japan for the first time since storming to Olympic marathon gold at the Covid-delayed Tokyo Games in 2021.
Jepchirchir has been named as one of three Kenya women in the marathon squad for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on 13-21 September .
The other athletes include the current Rotterdam marathon champion Jackline Cherono and Magdalyne Masai, who was fourth in this year's Tokyo marathon.
Jepchirchir, 31, a two-time half world marathon champion, overcame intense heat to take gold at the Tokyo Olympics in August 2021, beating fellow Kenyan and former world marathon record-holder Brigid Kosgei.
"I am happy with the confidence the Kenyan selectors have had in me despite the disappointment in the Paris Olympics," she told AFP in Nairobi.
"It's my first time to compete in the World Championships, and I'm looking forward to it," she added.
"We know Ethiopia have selected a strong team and they're the defending champions. But I believe in the Kenya team and I pray God will give us health and strength that day to face them."
The women's marathon will be held on 14 September, followed by the men's race a day later.
The Kenyan men's team is led by Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich, whose best time is 2:03:13, which he recorded while making his debut in the 2023 Berlin marathon when he finished second to Eliud Kipchoge.
Kipchoge, the two-time Olympic champion, will not take part in Tokyo.
KENYA's 58-MEMBER TEAM
WOMEN
400m - Mercy Oketch
800m - Mary Moraa, Lilian Odira, Vivian Kiprotich, Sarah Moraa
1500m - Faith Kipyegon, Nelly Chepchirchir, Susan Ejore, Dorcas Ewoi
5000m - Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, Agnes Jebet Ngetich, Margaret Ekidor
10000m - Beatrice Chebet, Agnes Jebet Ngetich, Janeth Chepngetich
3000m S/Chase - Faith Cherotich, Doris Lemngole, Pamela Kosgei
Marathon - Peres Jepchirchir, Jackline Cherono, Magdalyne Masai, Vivian Cheruiyot (Reserve)
4x400 Mixed Relay - Mercy Chebet, Lanoline Aoko, Esther Mbagari
MEN
100m - Ferdinand Omanyala
400m - George Mutinda,Brian Tinega, Kevin Kipkorir
800m - Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Nicholas Kiplangat Kebenei, Kelvin Loti
1500m - Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech, Reynold Cheruiyot, Timothy Cheruiyot
5000m - Nicholas Kipkorir
10000m - Edwin Kurgat, Ismael Kipkirui, Benson Kiplangat
3000m S/C - Edmund Serem, Simon Kiprop Koech, Abraham Kibiwott
400m Hurdles - Wiseman Were
Marathon - Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich, Erick Kiplangat Sang, Kennedy Kimutai, Hillary Kipkoech (reserve)