Two-time Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon is among 12 Kenyan athletes who landed in Paris, France, on Tuesday ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games athletics programme on August 1.
Kipyegon, the world recorder holder over her speciality and the mile, captains the track and field battalion.
She was in the company of 800m world champion Mary Moraa, Beatrice Chebet (distance double), Olympic 1500m silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot, Brian Komen (1500m), Lilian Odira (800m), Bernard Kibet (10,000m), Vivian Chebet (800m), Reynold Cheruiyot (1500m), Margaret Chelimo (distance double), Daniel Mateiko (10, 000m) and Nicholas Kimeli (10,000m).
The athletics programme runs between August 1 and 11 at the national stadium, Stade de France.
The athletes were led by middle distance coach Bernard Ouma.
He said they are in Paris to conquer the track and field once again.
“The general preparations of the team has been good, " said Ouma.
"NOC-K organised a structured technical system that ensured all athletes’ needs were sorted out. We are confident."
"I know competition will be tough but our preparations have been perfect,” said Ouma.
“The athletes are in high spirits and motivated. We are looking forward to the start of the competition."
He said they are in Paris for the medals.
"Our main target is now to deliver medals for Kenya," he said. He was quick to observe how stress-free their flight to Paris was.
“The flight was smooth considering it was a direct flight from Nairobi. The weather is equally perfect here in Paris. So, let the games begin.”
Kipyegon observed:" We are here to fight as Team Kenya. Our training went well and we are ready to put in a performance."
She is chasing a hat-trick of titles.
Lone ranger Samuel Gathimba flaunts the Kenyan stripes first in the 20km race walk at the Trocadero Gardens at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
