It’s all about medals, say Kipyegon and Kimeli after tickets to Budapest

Two-time Olympic and world 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon will be going for a double at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, in August 19-27.

Already qualified for 1500m through a wild card after winning the world title in Oregon last year, Kipyegon went for a slot in the 5000m, which she won in style.

At Friday’s national trials at Nyayo Stadium, Kipyegon clocked 14:53.90 to punch her ticket to Budapest ahead of Africa Games champion Lilian Kasait (14:56.50) while 2019 world bronze medallist Margaret Chelimo completed the podium in 15:07.59.

However, Chelimo will have to hope that the AK panel of selectors considers her for a Team Kenya role.

“I was not sure whether to double before I came here but after seeing how I have raced today, I can now plan to double,” said Kipyegon, who was targeting sub-14:50 at Nyayo.

“It feels great to win at the trials and under this (chilly) weather. I hope to extend this winning streak to Budapest. There I will not be fazed by the time but the target will be winning a medal for Kenya.”

“At the beginning of the season I set two targets; breaking the 1500m record which I have achieved. My next in line is defending my world (1500m) title in Hungary,” she said, adding that she could also go for a double at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Kasait she was impressed by her second place finish considering she raced the world record holder to the wire.

“My target today was to win the race but finishing behind Kipyegon, who has the world record, feels great. I am so happy to compete with her and also qualify for the world championships. The target now is a podium finish in Budapest,” said Kasait.

Commonwealth Games 5000m silver medalist Nicholas Kimeli booked his ticket to Hungary after winning the 10,000m race in 27:29.83. Kimeli beat 5000m national champion Daniel Simiu to second (27:30.5) while Bernard Kibet finished third in 27:33.5).

But despite finishing second, Simiu will have to wait for the last day of qualification on July 30 now that he is only qualified as per the world rankings. He is yet to clock the direct entry standard of 27:10.

“The 10,000m has been tough for us but we are promising to do our best and bring that title back. This could be our year,” said Kimeli.

Kimeli said teamwork is the key to beating world champion, Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei, urging his compatriots to work together in the journey.

Simiu was overwhelmed with his second-place finish and getting a chance to compete in Budapest. He echoed Kimeli’s sentiments on the need to work together if they are to deliver.

The 800m national record holder Mary Moraa was over the moon after winning the 400m race in a new national record of 50.39. The time qualifies her to Budapest and that added to the joy of breakup her own national record.

“I am surprised. I had not thought of this record. I’m so proud of my performance today. I cannot explain the feeling right now. It feels good winning a race but setting a new record is greater, especially after breaking my own,” said Moraa.

“The win at the Commonwealth Games and the recent wins in Diamond League series has motivated me to go for more. My target now will be to clinch a gold medal for Kenya in Budapest,” she added, saying the option to double will be upon the selection panel but her preference is to race in the 800m race.

The trials continue on Saturday after which AK will name a team to Budapest.