World-class athletes make classy entry into stadium in race to Rio Olympics

Caleb Ndiku Mwangangi leads the men 5000m final during the National Olympics Trials on June 30,2016 at kipchoge Stadium, Eldoret.[PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

They came in their resplendent top-of-the-range, fuel-guzzling vehicles.

Moments later, they had stripped down to their sports apparel ready to do battle for the coveted ticket to the Rio Olympics slated for August 5 to 21 in Brazil.

The magnificent newly laid tartan tract at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret made the day spectacular.

For once, the madness of matatu and boda boda operators was suppressed, thanks to the new guests in town – world-beating stars who arrived into the stadium in style.

Four-time World 3,000m steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi drove in in his pitch-black Range Rover Sport branded with the word ‘Legend’ on the windscreen, in a statement to his loyalty to English Premier League side Chelsea.

He parked the car near the long queues of spectators waiting to be screened to enter the stadium. The crowds broke into cheers of Baba Yao! Baba Yao!

Some took selfies next to his vehicle while others began discussing if the two-time Olympic 3,000m steeplechase champion would gun for a third bite at the cherry.

Don’t rule out

“This guy is tough, I bet. He will beat the likes of Conseslus Kipruto and Jairus Kipchoge. I am his fan and we should not judge him by the recent poor performance in the Diamond League meetings. He has said he has winning tricks that start from A to Z. So, don’t write him off,” said his fan June Jeptoo.

Three-time world 1,500m champion Asbel Kiprop arrived in his wine-red BMW X6 and made a brief stop to chat with traffic police officers manning the Eldoret-Iten Road.

The police officers saluted him and Asbel, a Chief Inspector of Police, who stood still in his light green track suit.

He alighted near the VIP gate and went ahead to hug World javelin champion Julius Yego, who was standing nearby with a group of athletes.

David Kebenei, Asbel’s father and 1987 All Africa Games 1,500m champion, arrived earlier and welcomed his son into the stadium.

“It’s a big day for me as a parent and a former athlete. The hunt for success has started at home here,” said Kebenei.

Unlike many other athletics families, Asbel and his father Kebenei had their first international competition in Kenya.

Kebenei had his first international assignment when he competed in the All Africa Games in Nairobi in 1987 while Asbel had his maiden international championship at the IAAF World Cross-Country Championships in Mombasa in 2007.

Vivian Cheruiyot, the reigning world 10,000m champion, arrived in her Toyota Prado accompanied by her husband Moses Kiplagat.

She chatted with a few athletes who were warming up as Kiplagat made some calls before they entered into the stadium.

Vivian, an Inspector of Police attached to Directorate of Criminal Investigations, then acknowledged her home fans with her usual one finger-salute.

Olympic 3,000m steeplechase champion Abel Mutai was dropped at the venue by Alfred Kirwa Yego, the 2007 world 800m champion, in his Toyota Prado.

The shy-looking Mutai immediately changed inside the car, alighted and then started jogging towards the freshly-graded warm up track trailing former world indoor champion Hellen Obiri and Irene Jelagat, the former All Africa Games 1,500m champion.

No Doubt

It’s no doubt. The world beating stars have elicited excitement in Eldoret that has clouded the fame retired world champions carry.

Security personnel remained hawk-eyed at the gates and around the perimeter wall.

Daniel Kipng’etich Komen, who holds three world records in 3,000m (outdoor and indoor) and the only man alive in the world to run two miles under eight minutes, was blocked from entering the stadium through the VIP gate because he did not have accreditation.

Noah Ng’eny, the 2000 Olympic 1,500m champion, arrived in the parking area driving his white Land Cruiser VX. He also took some time explaining to the Administration Police officers that he was an athlete who needed to gain access.

Students and pupils from various schools heading home for half-term break could not resist the temptation to see the stars they only watch on TV or read about in newspapers and magazines.

Others could be spotted taking ‘selfies’ and group photos with the athletes.