Faith leads chase for glory as Olympics squad is unveiled

Selected Team Kenya after the National Trials for Olympic Games Paris 2024 held at the Nyayo National Stadium on June 15, 2024. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

After two days of bruising battle at Kenyan national trials for the Paris Olympics, Athletics Kenya on Saturday selected a team that includes two-time Olympic champion and 1,500m world record holder Faith Kipyegon and 10,000m world record holder Beatrice Chebet.

100m

Africa’s fasting man Ferdinand Omanyala leads the country in 100m event with an hope of getting into podium position in Paris Games that is slated for July 26 to August 11, 2024.   Zablon Ekwam and Wiseman Were will be solo representatives in men’s 400m and 400m hurdles respectively. The duo qualified during the Kip Keino Classic in April. 

800m

After pulling the surprise performance of the two-day event, Lilian Odira will partner with World champion Mary Moraa in the women’s 800m. Men’s squad will have Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Wycliffe Kinyamal and Koitatoi Kidali. 

1,500m 

The men’s 1500m which produced a thrilling race with five men kicking for the win at the opening day of trials will see the country being represented by Reynold Cheruiyot, Olympic silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot while the third athlete will announced later.  Defending champion Kipyegon leads the women’s team of Susan Ejore and Nelly Chepchirchir. 

3,000m steeplechase 

In the women’s 3000m steeplechase World Under-20 champion Faith Cherotich and world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech will carry the country's flag with an hope winning the Kenya’s maiden gold medal in the event. The duo will team up with Jackline Chepkoech.  The men team has Amos Serem, Abraham Kibiwott and Simon Koech. 

5,000m 

Beatrice Chebet, fresh off from setting the women's 10,000m world record of 28:54.14 at Prefontaine last month, Faith Kipyegon who clocked 14:52.55 at the opening day of the trials will team up with Margaret Chelimo in the women’s 5000m event.

10,000m

Reigning 10,000m world record holder Beatrice Chebet and 2024 Ras Al Khaimah half marathon champion Daniel Mateiko will lead team Kenya in 10,000m. Others in the team are Lillian Kasait and Margaret Chelimo, while Mateiko will team up with Bernard Kibet and Nicholas Kimeli.

Marathon 

Olympic champions Eliud Kipchoge and Peres Jepchirichir will carry the country’s hopes.  Kipchoge will team up with Benson Kipruto and London Alexander Mutiso.

Women only marathon record holder Jepchirchir, will race with Hellen Obiri and Brigid Kosgei.