Over 250 elite athletes have received invitations from Athletics Kenya for the upcoming Olympic national trials at Nyayo Stadium, setting the stage for a thrilling showcase of talent and speed.
The event is expected to be a high-octane affair as Kenya’s finest vie for the honor of representing their nation at the world’s most prestigious sporting event.
Beatrice Chebet, who recently set a new world record in the women’s 10,000m at the Prefontaine Classic, is set to compete in the women’s 5000m. She faces stiff competition from a stellar lineup including world champion Faith Kipyegon, African champion Caroline Nyaga, and 10km world record holder Agnes Ngetich.
Faith Kipyegon, a double world record holder making her season debut, will also contend in the women’s 1500m, challenged by Africa Games champion Mary Ekiru, World Under-20 champion Purity Chepkirui, and the promising Nelly Chepchirchir.
The men’s 1500m race is expected to be equally explosive with African Games champion Brian Komen, 2019 world champion Timothy Cheruiyot, world cross country mixed relay champion Reynold Cheruiyot, and world indoor bronze medalist Abel Kipsang all participating.
Nicholas Kimeli, who clinched his spot in the men’s 10,000m at the Prefontaine Classic, aims to dominate the men’s 5000m, facing off against world 10,000m silver medalist Daniel Simiu Ebenyo, world 5000m silver medalist Jacob Krop, and world cross country junior champion Ishmael Kipkurui Rokito.
In the men’s 800m, all eyes are on world road mile record holder Emmanuel Wanyonyi as he seeks to secure his first Olympic berth, amidst a field of formidable competitors like world indoor silver medalist Noah Kibet, US-based Festus Langat, Commonwealth Games champion Wycliffe Kinyamal, and Olympic silver medalist Ferguson Rotich.
World 800m champion Mary Moraa is set to compete in the women’s 800m alongside a strong contingent that includes Sarah Moraa, Lillian Odira, shuttle hurdles relay silver medalist Naomi Korir, and Nelly Chepchirchir.
Wiseman Were, a Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, is gearing up for a busy schedule, participating in the men’s 200m, 400m, and 400m hurdles, having already qualified for the Olympics with a time of 48.57 at the Kip Keino Classic.
The men’s 100m is another event not to be missed, featuring Commonwealth Games champion Ferdinand Omanyala against a competitive field including former national record holder Mark Otieno. The last Olympic trials saw Omanyala triumph over Otieno, setting a national record of 10.00 seconds.
As the national trials approach, anticipation builds for the latest chapter in the riveting rivalry between Omanyala and Otieno. Spectators and sports enthusiasts alike are eager to witness the outcome of this electrifying competition.
