Athletics Kenya has unveiled a team of 35 athletes who will fly the Kenyan flag during the 31st Olympic Games set for Paris, France, from July 26th to August 11th this year.
The team, which is a blend of both experienced athletes and youth, was named on Saturday following the conclusion of the two-day national trials at the Nyayo Stadium.
10,000-meter world record holder Beatrice Chebet and two-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon are the highlights of the squad, as they will be doubling in Paris games.
Chebet will be making her Olympic Games debut in style, as she will be competing in both 10,000 and 5,000 meters, while Kipyegon will defend her title in 1500 meters as well as participating in 5,000 meters.
Susan Ejore and Nelly Chepchirchir will join Kipyegon in 1500m, while the men’s team is made up of former world under-20 champion Raynold Kipkorir and 2019 World Champion Timothy Cheruiyot.
800m World Champion Mary Moraa will also participate in the 400m as well as join Lillian Odira in the two-lap race.
Former junior world champions Faith Cherotich and Jackline Chepkoech will team up with world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech, while the men’s team is comprised of former junior champions Amos Serem, Abraham Kibiwott, and Simon Koech.
The 5000-meter men’s team is made up of former junior champions Ronald Kwemoi, Jacob Krop, and Edwin Kurgat.
African fastest man Ferdinand will be the sole representative in 100m, as Wiseman Were will be trying his luck in 400m, while Zablon Ekwam will dash in 400m.
World Silver Medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi will lead Kenya’s hunt for gold in the 800m alongside two-time Commonwealth Champion Wycliff Kinyamal and sensation Koitatoi Kidali.
Team Kenya for the Olympics is as follows: –
100m men
Ferdinand Omanyala
400m Women
Mary Moraa
400mH
Wiseman Were
800m women
Lillian Odira
Mary Moraa
800m Men
Emmanuel Wanyonyi
Wycliff Kinyamal
Koitatoi Kidali
1500m men
Raynold Kipkorir
Timothy Cheruiyot
1500 women
Faith Kipyegon
Nelly Chepchirchir
Susan Ejore
3000msc Women
Faith Cherotich
Jackline Chepkoech
Beatrice Chepkoech
3000msc men
Amos Serem
Simon Koech
Abraham Kibiwott
5000m women
Faith Kipyegon
Beatrice Chebet
5000m men
Ronald Kwemoi
Jacob Krop
Edwin Kurgat
10,000m women
Beatrice Chebet
Lillian Kasait
Margaret Chelimo
10,000m men
Daniel Mateiko
Nicholas Kipkorir
Bernard Kibet
Marathon Women
Peres Jepchirchir
Hellen Obiri
Brigid Kosgei
Sharon Lokedi-Reserve
Marathon men
Eilud Kipchoge
Alexander Mutiso
Benson Kipruto
Timothy Kiplangat-Reserve
More athletes will be added to the squad should they qualify by the set deadline of June 30th.
The team, which was handed over to the National Olympic Committee of Kenya, will report to residential training next Tuesday.
