Kipchoge makes the final cut in Team Kenya to Paris Olympics

From left: AK President Jackson Tuwei, marathoners Alexander Mutiso, Brigid Kosgei, Eliud Kipchoge, Peres Jepchirchir, Benson Kipruto and NOC-K President Paul Tergat during the unveiling of the Paris Olympics team. [Stephen Rutto, Standard]

It is now official that two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge will be heading to Paris with the hope of a third consecutive title.

Peres Jepchirchir, who also won the women's Olympic marathon title in Tokyo three years ago made the final cut in the team unveiled yesterday by Athletics Kenya and the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K).

The team of three athletes and a reserve in each category was whittled down from five men and six women selected by the federation earlier in April.

For Eliud Kipchoge, the federation said he had been selected with the hope of a historic third title when the men’s Paris Olympic marathon is staged on August 10.

The defending champion will have the company of a star-studded men’s team comprising Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto and Alexander Mutiso who took the London Marathon title on April 21. Tokyo Marathon runner-up Timothy Kiplagat took the reserve position.

Jepchirchir, who is fresh from smashing the women-only marathon world record in last month’s London Marathon, will lead a decorated team comprising Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri and former World Record holder and Olympic silver medallist Brigid Kosgei. Sharon Lokedi is a reserve.

AK President Jackson Tuwei, during the unveiling of the team in Eldoret described the trimming of the squad to the three marathoners and a reserve in each category as a difficult process.

“Eliud will be going for a third title. We are confident that that will happen,” Tuwei said.

Initially, in December last year, AK had selected a provisional squad of ten road racers in each category, before the list was reduced to five and six in the men and women teams respectively.

“It was difficult to get a team because Kenya has many marathoners. Every Monday, you see news of many athletes who have won weekend road races across the world and we are always spoilt for choice,” Tuwei said.

On athletes who did not make the final cut, the AK President said: “There is always another time. All of you satisfied all the requirements but we needed to have a team.”

The 2024 Paris showpiece will be special for Kipchoge, who will be marking 20 years since he participated in his first Olympic Games in 2004.

The legend represented Kenya in 5,000m in 2004 Athens and brought home a bronze.

“Running is a profession. It is not about how long someone has been in the profession. My aim in going to Paris is to tell everyone that longevity in the sport will give the time to expose your career. I am happy to be in the team,” Kipchoge said.

Jepchirchir said the women-only record celebrations are over.

“It is my prayer that we enjoy good health in the run up to the Olympics,” she said.

NOC-K President Paul Tergat said the Paris Olympics will be unique, and likely to be defined by a lot of excitement compared to previous games.