Summary
– Eliud Kipchoge and Peres Jepchirchir lead Kenya’s marathon teams.
– Teams finalized for 2024 Paris Olympics.
– Kipchoge aims for historic third Olympic gold.
– Jepchirchir broke world record in London.
Eliud Kipchoge and Peres Jepchirchir, distinguished Olympic gold medallists in the marathon discipline, have been officially chosen to spearhead Kenya’s men’s and women’s marathon teams at the highly anticipated 2024 Paris Olympic Games, scheduled for July and August.
The announcement came on May 1st, following meticulous deliberations by Athletic Kenya (AK) in collaboration with the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), where the final squads were unveiled. This decision marked the culmination of a rigorous selection process that began with a preliminary squad of six athletes for each gender, initially shortlisted on April 4th, 2024.
Leading the charge for Kenya’s men’s team alongside Kipchoge are Tokyo marathon champion Benson Kipruto (33) and London marathon titleholder Alexander Munyao (27). Timothy Kiplagat (30), celebrated for his silver medal at the Tokyo marathon and notable performance at the Abu Dhabi Marathon, was named as a reserve, showcasing Kenya’s depth in marathon talent.
Womwn’s Category
In the women’s category, Peres Jepchirchir, who recently achieved a remarkable victory at the London Marathon, will be accompanied by the illustrious duo of Hellen Obiri (34), a distinguished two-time Boston Marathon winner, and Brigid Kosgei (30), who has triumphed in both the London and Chicago Marathons. Sharon Lokedi (30), who claimed victory at the 2022 New York Marathon, was named as a reserve, underlining the competitiveness of the selection process.
Miss Outs
Notably absent from the final squads are Vincent Ngetich from the men’s team, and prominent marathoners Ruth Chepng’etich, a two-time Chicago Marathon champion, and Rosemary Wanjiru, winner of the 2023 Tokyo Marathon, from the women’s team. The exclusions underscore the fierce competition within Kenya’s marathon ranks, where only the best are chosen to represent the nation on the global stage.
Eliud Kipchoge, renowned as one of the greatest marathoners of all time and aiming to secure an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic marathon gold medal, spoke passionately about the team’s unity and shared pursuit of greatness: “When we step onto the streets of Paris, it won’t just be as individuals but as a formidable team. The Olympic Games are a different challenge compared to world major marathons; we are going there united, not as individuals.”
Expressing gratitude for his selection, Kipchoge extended appreciation to Athletics Kenya and NOCK for their support: “Thank you to Athletics Kenya and NOCK for including us in Team Kenya’s final squad. Over the next three months, we will train diligently to represent our country and achieve a commendable result.”
Reflecting on his meticulous preparations, which included setting a world record time of 2:01:09 at the 2022 Berlin Marathon and holding the marathon world record from 2018 to 2023, Kipchoge maintained confidence in his training regimen: “I believe in my preparations and planning. I aim to perform well, but in sports, outcomes can vary. Accepting the results is part of enjoying the sport.”
When asked about his competition schedule leading up to the Olympics, Kipchoge emphasized his singular focus: “My plan is solely to prepare for the Olympics. I do not have plans to participate in other races. I intend to dedicate my heart, mind, and all efforts to the Olympics. The field is tough, with athletes from about 106 countries participating. Everyone is a champion, and I respect each competitor.”
Joining Kipchoge in Paris will be Alexander Munyao, whose victory at the London Marathon in April affirmed his competitive prowess. Meanwhile, Peres Jepchirchir’s record-breaking performance in the women’s race at the London Marathon further solidified her position as a leading contender. Hellen Obiri, known for her impressive track record as a two-time Olympic 5,000m silver medallist in Rio and Tokyo, eagerly anticipates her debut in the Olympic marathon event after a successful transition from track to road races.
Final marathon teams:
Men:
1. Eliud Kipchoge
2. Benson Kipruto
3. Alex Mutiso
Reserve: Timothy Kiplagat
Women:
1. Peres Jepchirchir
2. Hellen Obiri
3. Brigid Kosgei
Reserve: Sharon Lokedi
