3000m steeplechase runner, Benjamin Kiplagat says he is thrilled by the surprise wild card from International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

Kiplagat’s career dipped since he suffered a groin injury at the 2013 Moscow Worlds. He missed last year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland and full recovery remained a far cry.

Kiplagat had failed to qualify for this year's Worlds but made it to the plane that departed for Beijing, China on Monday afternoon thanks to surprise wild card from International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

"I have been suffering with injuries but this is my chance for a revamp," said the 2008 World Junior silver medalist.

IAAF's decision comes as a relief for the 26-year-old whose only attempt to make the grade (8:28.00) for Beijing was a distant 13th place finish (8:29.83) at the Shanghai Diamond League on May 17. This will be his fifth successive appearance in the seven-and-a-half-lap race at the Worlds, a record in Uganda.

TEAM UGANDA IN BEIJING

Ronald Musagala, Kiplagat, Phillip Kipyeko, Moses Kibet, Timothy Toroitich, Joshua Cheptegei, Stephen Kiprotich, Abraham Kiplimo, Solomon Mutai, Jackson Kiprop and Juliet Chekwel