Emmanuel Korir and Ayanleh Souleiman Fail to Reach Start Line at IAAF World Indoor Championships Over Visa Issues

By Adam Kopet

Two middle distance runners have been forced to withdraw from the IAAF World Indoor Championships after failing to obtain U.K. visas.

Emmanuel Korir, one of the favorites for the men's 800 meters, tried to obtain his visa and the British consulate in New York City, but a computer system failure made processing his travel documents difficult, according to Ayumba Ayodi of the Daily Nation.

Korir became the third fastest man in the indoor 800 meters with his 1:44.21 clocking at the NYRR Millrose Games last month. He will return to Texas, where he will continue training for the outdoor season.

Korir had been scheduled to race in the first heat of the 800-meter prelims Friday.

Also out of the championships due to visa issues is Ayanleh Souleiman of Djibouti, according to Agencia EFE. He was scheduled to race in Saturday's 1,500-meter prelims.

Souleiman was the 2014 IAAF World Indoor champion at 1,500 meters and he won a bronze medal in the 800 meters at the 2013 IAAF World Outdoor Championships. He currently stands second on the world best list in the 1,500 meters for the year.