Ronald Kwemoi has promised to bring home Olympic gold in the men's 5,000m after cruising to a 13:27.20 performance at the national trials held at the Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.
Jacob Krop placed second in 13:27.54 with Edwin Kurgat sealing the podium in 13:27.75.
Kwemoi attained the Olympic mark of 13.05.00 after clocking 13:02.56 to place seventh at the Xiamen diamond league in April 20.
His victory cements his promise to bring home Olympic gold in Paris, ending Kenya's 36-year drought in the event.
“Kenyans should expect gold in the 5,000m at the Olympics. I am ready for the task,” Kwemoi said.
The last Kenyan to win gold in this event was John Ngugi at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, clocking 13:11.70.
Kwemoi acknowledged the fierce competition but expressed satisfaction with his performance.
“The race was tough. The competition from my colleagues was high but I am happy with my performance,” he said.
His preparation was key to his success.
“I had prepared well and was confident I would secure a good position," he said.
Kwemoi, who is regainingbhis form after overcoming a hamstring injury, aims to fine-tune his form before the global showpiece.
“This race was vital for my Olympic preparations. I am getting back from a hamstring injury,” he added.
Krop, who qualified for the Olympics last year in Monaco with a time of 12:46.02, was pleased to make Team Kenya.
“I am glad to have made the team. The competition today was tough,” he noted, adding: "Teamwork will be key."
Kurgat, who met the Olympic qualifying time in January in the USA after clocking 12:57.52, aims for a podium finish in his maiden Olympic appearance.
In other events, Wiseman Were continued his dominance in the men's 400m hurdles, winning in 48.72. Moitalel Mpoke (49.92) and Kipkorir Rotich (50.73).
Were, who achieved the Olympic mark of 48.70 during the Kip Keino Classic in April in a time of 48.57, plans to refine his strategy before the Olympics.
