By Chris Chavez
December 4, 2023
Athletics Kenya has shared a list of 10 men and women who may comprise their Olympic team for next summer in Paris, according to the Daily Nation.
Here’s what you need to know:
– Kenya does not have a trials race like the United States does to determine who will represent the country at the Summer Games. Kenya’s team is determined by Athletics Kenya.
– The Nation reports AK Director of Competitions Paul Mutwii and his team weighed world rankings and performances at this year’s World Marathon Majors to narrow down their list of athletes. In the past, Athletics Kenya has faced blowback for major snubs including not selecting Mary Keitany for the 2012 or 2016 Olympics despite being one of the best marathoners in the world.
– Kenya won the men’s and women’s gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics with Eliud Kipchoge and Peres Jepchirchir.
– Athletics Kenya will meet with the athletes, their sponsors, the National Olympic Committee of Kenya and other representatives before finalizing their team in early 2024.
Kevin Morris / @KevMoFoto
Who is on the list?
– The men’s provisional squad includes: World record holder Kelvin Kiptum, two-time Olympic champion and former world record holder Eliud Kiphoge, Vincent Kipkemoi Ng'etich, Timothy Kiplagat, Benson Kipruto, Bernard Kiprop Koech, Geoffrey Kamworor, Cyprian Kotut, Amos Kipruto and Titus Kipruto.
Kevin Morris / @KevMoFoto
– The women’s provisional squad includes: Chicago Marathon runner-up Ruth Chepng'etich, Tokyo Marathon champion Rosemary Wanjiru, Joycilline Jepkosgei, Sheila Chepkirui, reigning Olympic champion Peres Jepchichir, Judith Jeptum Korir, Seley Chepyego Kaptich, Boston and New York City marathon champion Hellen Obiri, Sharon Lokedi and former world record holder Brigid Kosgei.
– Noticeably missing from the short list is Evans Chebet, who won the 2022 New York City Marathon and 2023 Boston Marathon.
Chris Chavez
Chris Chavez launched CITIUS MAG in 2016 as a passion project while working full-time for Sports Illustrated. He covered the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and grew his humble blog into a multi-pronged media company. He completed all six World Marathon Majors and is an aspiring sub-five-minute miler.
