In Summary
- Defending champions Eliud Kipchoge and Peres Jepchichir have been named in Kenya’s final Olympic marathon team
- Hellen Obiri, Benson Kipruto among those selected
- Athletics Kenya unveiled its final squad of six
Athletics Kenya unveiled its final squad of six (three women and as many men), with one reserve either side, and as expected, Kipchoge will lead the men’s team alongside London Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso and Tokyo Marathon winner Benson Kipruto.
Meanwhile, Timothy Kiplagat, who finished second in Tokyo, will be on standby incase any of the selected three cannot make it.
READ also:Rotich, Jepkemoi win the fifth edition of Eldoret City Marathon
Women’s Marathon Team
Meanwhile, Jepchirchir will get a chance to defend her title and heads to Paris in good form after winning the London Marathon in a new women’s-only world record last month.
She will be joined by Hellen Obiri, who defended her Boston Marathon title last month, while Brigid Kosgei has made the final three despite finishing fifth in London last month.
Kosgei’s experience seems to have convinced the panel of selectors given she won silver behind Jepchirchir at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, edging ahead of Sharon Lokedi, who finished second in Boston.
Lokedi will therefore be on standby as the reserve in case any of Obiri, Jepchirchir and Kosgei fail to make it to Paris.
Sports Enthusiast React
The release of the final marathon team has garnered reactions from netizens as captured below
”All the best to our team. Rooting for the GOAT as always”
”You got it right here. Wishing the team all the best.”
”Won their position by Merits, fighters!!! All the best!!..”
”A clean 1,2,3 Sweep for Team Kenya at Paris Olympics this Summer?…. very very Possible! Go ‘Go
”Am happy seeing OBIRI in the squad she’s a fighter . Let’s Goo”
”Lokedi is in shape than Brigid”
Wishing Team Kenya The Very Best
