Two-time Olympic and world 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon maintained that teamwork will win Kenya medals at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
Kipyegon, who will be going for a double at the global showpiece scheduled for August 19-27, described the 5000m race as a tactical—one that will require much cooperation among the Kenyan contingent if they hope to win gold.
Already qualified for 1500m through a wildcard, Kipyegon went for a slot in the 5000m at the national trials, winning in 14:53.90 to punch her double ticket to Budapest.
"The 5000m is not an easy race. It is very tactical with high competition. Winning a gold medal will all depend on good preparations, focus in training, and on the track. But the most important thing is teamwork. That's all we need," said the 1,500m and 5000m world record holder.
"We have a great team with a blend of youth and experience. If we get our strategy right, the chances of a double podium are high. It will not be an easy task but I hope for the best," she added.
Kipyegon will lead a pack of four athletes including the world athletics cross-country champion Beatrice Chebet, Lilian Kasait, and Margaret Chelimo in their bid to reclaim the title. Kenya lost to Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay last year in Oregon, United States of America.
Kipyegon's words were echoed by Commonwealth Games 5000m silver medalist Nicholas Kimeli, who will also be doubling in the Central European nation.
Already qualified for the 5000m race through a wild card, Kimeli took his chances in the 10,000m during the national trials on Friday, where he won in style.
He clocked 27:29.83 beating 5000m national champion Daniel Simiu to second (27:30.5) while Bernard Kibet finished third in 27:33.5.
"The 10,000m has been tough for us but we are promising to do our best and bring the title back after 22 years of drought. This could be our year," said Kimeli.
"Our major threat is the world champion Uganda's Joshua Cheptegei. Teamwork will be the key to our ambitions of beating him. We need to plan on how to trap him into our strategy and if we succeed, then we will sail to victory as he watches," Kimeli, who will lead Benard Kibet and Kibiwott Kandie in the race added.
Training mates Abraham Kibiwot and Simon Koech who will lead the Kenyan contingent in the 3000m SC together with Leonard Bett also reiterated the importance of partnership in their bid to outshine Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkali, who has become tough to handle.
"Koech is my training mate and I know him. He is strong physically band mentally. From now onwards, we will hatch a plan on how to beat the Ethiopians and the Moroccan and work on that plan. I believe one month is enough for our plan to be ripe. We will also include Leonard in our training so that he too will be in the master plan," said Kibiwot.
The narrative was the same with the 2019 world 1,500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot.
Cheruiyot, who has been battling injuries, announced his return by winning the specialty at trials at 3:34.30. He will lead the world indoor 1500 bronze medalist Abel Kipsang and world U-20 1500m champion Reynold Kipkorir in his quest to reclaim his title.
"I may apply my experience but partnership will bring the best out of the team. This should not be an individual task but a collective one which is why I will insist to my mates that we embrace teamwork even in other categories. We need to get back to the old good days when Kenya used to dominate," said Cheruiyot.
"I look forward to reclaiming my title in Budapest. It feels great to be back to my best. The next step is to return to the top," he added.
Irene Kimais, who will be making her debut on the global stage, reminded her teammates of the importance of good partnership.
"If we hope to recapture the title last won in 2015 by Vivian Cheruiyot, we need to work as a team. Even though I need to improve some areas individually, we need to help each other in this journey. It might be tough but I believe seeing your partners pushing you will be a motivation. Together we will be stronger," said Kimais.
The Kenyan contingent will consist of 57 athletes (32 men and 25 women).