Athletics Kenya has released the final list of athletes who will take part in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Two-time Olympics marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge headlines a strong three-man team as he seeks to clinch a third title. Kipchoge will be alongside Benson Kipruto and Alex Mutiso. The 2022 Abu Dhabi Marathon champion, Timothy Kiplagat, is the reserve member of the team.
However, despite his fortunes at the Olympics, Eliud Kipchoge believes that the competition is going to be tough.
Kipchoge said he is preparing well for the competition, noting the importance of being in top shape.
“I really want to have a good performance, and I believe in my preparations. If anything happens, then this is sport… anything can happen, and you have to accept the outcome. This is a huge goal, and I trust I will make it,” he said.
The women’s team will be led by defending Champion Peres Jepchirchir, who headlines a group of experienced compatriots, including double Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri and former world record holder Brigid Kosgei.
Paris will mark Obiri’s fourth Olympics appearance, albeit this time she will be competing in the road race, having transitioned from the track and field two years ago.
After finishing sixth on her full road race debut in New York, Obiri has taken to her new specialty like a fish to water – triumphing in subsequent marathons she has run in.
She clinched last year’s Boston Marathon in 2:21:38 and conquered New York in 2:27:33 at the end of 2023 before successfully defending her Boston title last month.
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