Washington State Cougars’ Rosemary Longisa arrives in Nairobi with 4:02 for Commonwealth trials
Washington State University standout returns from a breakthrough NCAA season ready to battle for a 2026 Glasgow ticket at Nyayo National Stadium
Having landed in Nairobi on Tuesday morning after a breakthrough season in the United States, Washington State University middle-distance runner Rosemary Longisa is wasting little time settling in as she turns her focus to the Commonwealth Games trials at Nyayo National Stadium.
The 21-year-old 1500m specialist arrives home carrying the momentum of a career-defining campaign that saw her slash more than 10 seconds off her personal best, improving from 4:13.59 at the Stanford Invitational in April 2025 to 4:02.55 at the Bryan Clay Invitational this season.
Cross-country foundation behind rapid rise
Longisa’s dramatic progression has been built on a strong cross-country base in the American collegiate system, where she developed the endurance and strength that later translated into track success.
"Especially after cross country, I went to the track fitter than ever," she said.
Her performances across the NCAA circuit have positioned her among Kenya’s emerging middle-distance talents, culminating in the biggest breakthrough of her career and firmly placing her on the radar ahead of the national trials.
Full-circle return to national stage
The return to Kenya also marks a significant moment in her journey.
The last time Longisa competed at the Athletics Kenya National Championships was in 2024 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, shortly before joining the United States collegiate system. Then, she lined up in the women’s 800m as a developing talent searching for exposure and experience.
Two years later, she returns as a transformed athlete—faster, stronger, and now a 1500m runner with international collegiate credentials and a personal best that places her among Kenya’s quickest this season.
Mentorship from Ejore and Ewoi
Among the key figures who have supported her journey are fellow US-based Kenyan internationals Susan Ejore and Dorcus Ewoi as well as Kenya's sensational world record holder Faith Kipyegon.
Longisa says both Ejore and Ewoi have remained close to her development, offering encouragement and advice as she navigates life as a student-athlete in the United States.
"Susan and Dorcus have been so close to me. They have been advising and encouraging me," she said.
Ejore, in particular, has played a mentorship role, regularly sharing guidance drawn from her own experiences in the American collegiate system and emphasizing the importance of balancing education with elite sport.
“I would have loved to race them”
Although neither Ejore nor Ewoi will line up in this year’s trials, Longisa says she would have welcomed the chance to test herself against them on home soil.
"I would have been happy to race against Ewoi and Ejore on Kenyan soil," she said.
Even so, her focus remains unchanged.
Commonwealth Games mission
The Athletics Kenya National Championships have been merged with the final AK national track and field, inaugural AK Premium championships meeting and the Commonwealth Games trials, creating a high-stakes competition where national titles and team selection are on the line.
For Rosemary Longisa, the objective is clear.
"I am here to fight for a slot to the Commonwealth Games," she said.
Asked about her readiness, she remains composed and grounded.
"I am well prepared. In terms of weather, I do not have control of the weather," she said.
As the countdown to Glasgow 2026 intensifies, Rosemary Longisa arrives at Nyayo Stadium not just with a personal best of 4:02, but with the confidence of an athlete whose trajectory has sharply shifted—and whose next step could place her among Kenya’s Commonwealth Games squad.