Summary
– Lilian Odira beat Mary Moraa in 800m final.
– Odira secured Olympic qualification with 1:59.27.
– Reynold Cheriuyot won men’s 800m in 3:35.62.
– Rukia Nusra set new 100m hurdles record.
Lilian Odira of Kenya Prisons delivered a stunning performance to triumph over the reigning World 800m champion Mary Moraa in the women’s 800m final at the Kenyan Olympic Trials at Nyayo Stadium.
Odira, who placed fourth at the African Games earlier this year, secured victory in the 800m finals with an Olympic qualifying time of 1:59.27, ensuring her place at the Paris Games.
Moraa Clinches
Moraa, initially leading from the start, faltered towards the end and settled for second place with a time of 1:59.35, while her cousin Sarah Mora narrowly missed out on qualification with a time of 1:59.39.
“I’ve had an incredible year, from returning after maternity to competing at the African Games and now earning a spot at the Paris Olympics. I’m deeply grateful for the support of my teammates and family, especially Mary Moraa, who has been a huge inspiration to me,” said Odira, who hails from Migori County.
Moraa, also known as the ‘Kisii Express’, commented, “I’m thrilled for Lilian achieving the qualification time. Sarah has time to meet the standards before the June 30 deadline.”
Men’s 800m Final
In the men’s 800m final, Reynold Cheriuyot emerged victorious in a closely contested race, clocking 3:35.62. He was followed by Kyumbe Munguti with a time of 3:35.80 and Olympic silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot at 3:35.90. Munguti has until June 30 to meet the qualification standard of 3:33.50.
“The competition was tough, and it’s satisfying to come out on top today. This win boosts my confidence heading into the Olympics,” said Reynold, who is coached by Jacob Langat in Nyahururu.
Timothy Cheruiyot expressed contentment with his performance, saying, “The field was highly competitive. Finishing third is positive, and I have time to enhance my speed. Congratulations to all participants.”
Other Results
Elsewhere, Rukia Nusra broke her own national record in the 100m hurdles, clocking 13.67 seconds, improving upon her previous record of 13.70 set earlier in the year at the same venue.
In the men’s 100m, Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s fastest man, recorded 10.09 in his heat and anticipated an even faster time in the final. Former national champion Mark Otieno continued his comeback with a time of 10.27.
“If the weather remains favorable tomorrow like today, we might see sub-10-second times, which could mean more qualifiers for the Paris Games,” remarked Omanyala after his heat victory.
Kenyan Olympics Trials
Women’s 800m finals
Lilian Odira. 1:59.27
Mary Moraa. 1:59.35
Sarah Moraa 1:59.39
MEN’S 1500m Final
Reynold Cheruiyot. 3:35.62
Kyumbe Munguti. 3:35.80
Timothy Cheruiyot 3:35.90
2024 Kenya Athletics Olympic Trials Day One: Notable Results
- Lilian Odira took home the women’s 800m title with a time of 1:59.27.
- Faith Cherotich captured the women’s 3,000m steeplechase with a time of 9:22.38.
- Michael Nzuku won the men’s 110m hurdle final with a time of 14.49.
- Reynold Cheruiyot won the men’s 1,500m final with a time of 3:35.63.
- Rahab Wanjiru Ndirangu took home the women’s 400m hurdle title with a time of 1:01:00.
- Monica Safania won her women’s 100m semi-final with a time of 12.23.
- Esther Mbagari won her women’s 100m semi-final with a time of 11.71.
- Mark Otieno Odhiambo won his men’s 100m semi-final with a time of 10.27.
- Hesborn Ochieng won his men’s 100m semi-final with a time of 10.45.
- Moses Wasike won his men’s 200m semi-final with a time of 21.40.
- Wiseman Mukhobe won his men’s 200m semi-final with a time of 20.80.
- Mike Mokamba won his men’s 200m semi-final with a time of 21.10.
- Shida Leni won her women’s 400m semi-final with a time of 52.30.
- Mercy Chebet won her women’s 400m semi-final with a time of 52.49.
- Kevin Kiprotich Tonui won his men’s 400m semi-final with a time of 45.74.
- Nicholas Kipkorir won his men’s 400m semi-final with a time of 45.74.
- David Kapirante won his men’s 400m semi-final with a time of 45.58.
The top two finishers in each event, while also meeting the Olympic standard, will qualify for Paris with Athletics Kenya picking the third roster spot.*
As National Olympic Committees have the exclusive authority for the representation of their respective countries at the Olympic Games, athletes’ participation at the Paris Games depends on their NOC selecting them to represent their delegation at Paris 2024.
