Athletics Kenya (AK) president Jack Tuwei is optimistic Team Kenya will surpass their previous best medal haul during next month's Paris Olympics.
Kenya's most successful Olympics was Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016, bagging six gold medals in each.
In 2008, Kenya secured 16 medals (six gold, four silver and six bronze), ranking 13 overall.
Pamela Jelimo (800m), Asbel Kiprop (1,500m), Samuel Wanjiru (Marathon), Brimin Kipruto (3,000m steeplechase), Wilfred Bungei (800m) and Nancy Lagat (1,500m) clinched gold at the Bird's Nest.
The 2016 Games saw Kenya earn 13 medals (six gold, six silver, one bronze), placing 15 in the medal standings.
Jemima Samgong (marathon), David Rudisha (800m), Faith Kipyegon (1,500m), Conseslus Kipruto (3,000m steeplechase), Vivian Cheruiyot (5,000m) and Kipchoge (marathon) bagged gold.
Tuwei emphasised the importance of comprehensive preparation and support from the National Olympics Committee of Kenya (Nock) and the Ministry of Sports in achieving their targets in Paris.
"We will prepare the team adequately and encourage them to get the best results in Paris. With the help from Nock and the Ministry, this will be one of the best Olympics for Kenya since 1956," he said.
Tuwei is optimistic about surpassing the six gold medals record, adding; "I am sure we will do better this time around."
Fan support will also be crucial for Kenya’s success.
"The Olympics come once every four years and countries are ranked according to medals won. If we get more medals, Kenya will be ranked higher. We need to support the team for that to happen," Tuwei added.
Kenya's Olympic Chef de Mission, Shadrack Maluki, echoed Tuwei's sentiments, assuring Nock's support.
"We are looking forward to making history at the Paris Olympics. We are putting all efforts into ensuring the athletes and teams make qualification and have all necessary support," Maluki commented.
The athletics Olympic trials are set for Friday and Saturday at the Nyayo Stadium.
AK Vice President Paul Mutwii reiterated that the top two athletes in each event will secure their place on the team for Paris, subject to hitting the qualifying standards and anti-doping protocols.
"All invited athletes have met the major qualification criteria. They have achieved the qualifying standards in their events and undergone one out-of-competition test between September 4, 2023 and May 3," Mutwii stated.
"The technical group decided that the selection criteria will be the top two athletes according to the quota given to AK by Nock," he added.
World 1,500m and mile record holder Faith Kipyegon headlines the trials as she competes in the 5,000m race, her first of the season.
"I will compete in the 5,000m on Friday, and from there we will see what’s next. My main aim is to make the team and go on for better results in Paris," Kipyegon stated.
However, her ultimate goal is to defend her 1,500m title in Paris.
"My big focus is to defend my 1,500m title in Paris. I want to use the 5,000m at the trials to gauge my body," she added.
Kipyegon has two Olympic gold medals in the 1,500m from Rio 2016 (4:08.92) and Tokyo 2020 (3:53.11).
AK named the final 10,000m team from the trials held at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, on May 25.
World record holder Beatrice Chebet headlines the women's list alongside Valencia 10km Road race bronze medallist Lilian Kasait and Valencia half marathon champion Margaret Chelimo.
The men's team has Ras Al Khaimah half marathon champion Daniel Mateiko, Nicholas Kipkorir and Bernard Kibet.
