Double Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge and Olympic Games marathon silver medalist Brigid Kosgei believe teamwork will be key at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Apart from Kipchoge, the men’s team will have — Vincent Kipkemoi, Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto, Tokyo Marathon runner-up Timothy Kiplagat and Prague Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso.
Brigid has the company of Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir, New York Marathon champion Hellen Obiri, 2019 world champion Ruth Chepng’etich, 2024 Tokyo Marathon runners-up Rosemary Wanjiru and New York Marathon third-place finisher, Sharon Lokedi.
Kipchoge said the 11 athletes (six women and five men) will work together to deliver medals at the Summer Games.
“We are happy to represent the country and fly the country’s flag high,” said the former world marathon record holder.
He said the remaining four months will be enough to prepare for the Games.
“We have enough time to prepare and focus on Paris. All of us believe teamwork will guide us to glory in Paris,” said Kipchoge, a three-time London Marathon champion.
Through hard work and determination, winning will be easy since they have already set up the goals and hearts to get the medals.
Kipchoge was speaking when the National Olympic Committee of Kenya unveiled the marathon team.
“The most important thing is to participate and then fight for the medals,” he noted.
Kosgei, the 2021 Olympic Marathon silver medalist, said they will fight for the gold medals.
“Teamwork will help us shine in Paris. I request my fellow athletes to give it their best and ensure the country retains both titles,” she said.
Athletics Kenya president Jack Tuwei said the marathon journey to Paris started in November when they picked 20 marathoners ( 10 women and 10 men).
“We want to support these athletes. We need a well-coordinated framework ahead of Paris. Nock will from today take over and prepare the team for Paris,” said Tuwei.
Nock president Paul Tergat said the team will be cut down to three athletes in each of the two categories.
“We shall provide every support the athletes need to ensure they focus on their training,” said Tergat. “We intend to provide proper leadership to ensure we win medals.”
Patrick Sang will lead a team of coaches including Amos Korir and Nicholas Koech. Mary Keitany will be the co-ordinator.
Double Olympic Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge and Olympic Games marathon silver medalist Brigid Kosgei believe teamwork will aid them win at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Apart from Kipchoge, the men's team will have —Vincent Kipkemoi, Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto, Tokyo Marathon runner-up Timothy Kiplagat and Prague Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso.
Brigid has the company of Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir, New York Marathon champion Hellen Obiri, 2019 World champion Ruth Chepngetich, 2024 Tokyo Marathon runners-up Rosemary Wanjiru and New York Marathon third-place finisher, Sharon Lokedi.
National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) President Paul Tergat said the team will be cut down to three athletes in both categories closer to the games.
“As Nock, we shall provide every support the athletes need to ensure they focus on their training,” said Tergat.
He said that Paris will be unique as all eyes will be on Kenya. " We intend to provide proper leadership to ensure we win medals," he added.
Patrick Sang will lead a team of coaches including Amos Korir and Nicholas Koech. Mary Keitany will be the co-ordinator.