Sharon Lokedi, the 2022 New York City Marathon champion and the 2024 Boston Marathon runner-up, has replaced former marathon world record holder Brigid Kosgei on the Kenyan Olympic Marathon team for Paris.

Here’s what you need to know:

– In early May, Athletics Kenya named its Olympic marathon squad for the Summer Games in Paris. Reigning Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir and reigning New York City and Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri were the headliners on the women’s side.

– Kosgei was selected as the third athlete after a fifth place finish in 2:19:02 in April’s London Marathon. Lokedi was named the alternate despite an impressive runner-up finish in Boston and a third place finish at the New York City Marathon last fall – where she beat Kosgei. Lokedi’s Boston and New York City runs were also impressive because they came on hilly courses without any pacemakers, which simulates the championship style of the Olympics.

– Kosgei expressed an injury concern and was assessed by a doctor who determined she would not run the Olympic marathon.

– Lokedi has a personal best of 2:23:23 from her debut and victory at the 2022 New York City Marathon. Most recently, she finished second in the NYRR Mini 10K in 31:04 in New York City on June 8th.

– The men’s Olympic team is comprised of double Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge (who will be looking to become the first person to win back-to-back-to-back gold medals in the marathon), London marathon champion Alexander Munyao and Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto.

What’s next:

– The men’s Olympic marathon will be on Aug. 10th. The women’s Olympic marathon will be on Aug. 11th.