Athletics Kenya and the National Olympics Committee of Kenya announced the final six-member squad for the Paris 2024 Olympics with Olympic gold medalists Eliud Kipchoge and Peres Jepchirchir leading the charge.
Athletics Kenya and the National Olympics Committee of Kenya announced the final six-member squad on Wednesday, May 1st, after making changes to the initial provisional lists announced last month.
Kipchoge, the two-time defending Olympic marathon champion, headlines the men’s list following the untimely demise of world record holder Kelvin Kiptum.
The duo was expected to mount a fierce challenge for the gold medal in the Olympic race scheduled for August 10th.
Joining Kipchoge in the men’s team are Benson Kipruto and the newly crowned London Marathon champion, Alexander Munyao. Vincent Kipkemoi, who was initially named in the provisional list, has been dropped, while Timothy Kiplagat has been put on the reserve list.
On the women’s side, Peres Jepchirchir, the reigning Olympic champion, will lead the charge for Kenyan glory. Jepchirchir’s inclusion ensures that both defending marathon champions will be representing Kenya in their quest to retain their Olympic crowns.
Rosemary Wanjiru and Ruth Chepng’etich, both 29, have been dropped from the initial provisional list, while Sharon Lokedi has been named as a reserve.
The full six-member team comprises three athletes from each gender, with Timothy Kiplagat and Sharon Lokedi serving as reserves.
Kenya’s marathon team boasts a wealth of experience and talent, with Kipchoge and Jepchirchir serving as inspirational figures for their compatriots. The duo’s presence alone instills confidence in the team’s ability to continue Kenya’s dominance in long-distance running on the global stage.
As the countdown to the Paris Olympics continues, the Kenyan marathon team will intensify their preparations, aiming to bring home more Olympic glory for their nation. The world will be watching as these exceptional athletes take to the streets of Paris, showcasing their endurance, determination, and unwavering spirit.
