The 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games 1500m silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot believes it is advantageous for Kenya after all three representatives over the distance sailed to the semifinals of the Paris 2024 Games at the Stade de France on Friday.
Cheruiyot, namesake Reynold, and Brian Komen advanced after ranking inside the top six of their respective heats.
Komen was first on the blue track in a packed-up national stadium, clocking 3:36.31 for second behind Briton Josh Kerr, who had a season's best of 3:35.85.
Nordas Narve (3:36.41), Essayi Anass (3:36.44) and Nuguse Yared (3:36.56) followed.
Timothy was fifth in Heat Two in 3:35.39 in a race won by 19-year-old Ethiopian, Girma Ermias (3:35.21). In the fastest of the three heats, Hocker Cole timed 3:35.27 for second, followed by Arese Pietro at 3:35.30 and Laros Niels at 3:35.38.
Reynold was fourth in the final heat timing 3:37.12 behind winner Nillessen Stefan (3:36.77), Kessler Hobbs (3:36.87) and defending champion Jakob Ingebrigsten (3:37.04).
"I am happy all of us have qualified for the semis. We will sit and strategise on how we can all make the final," said Timo.
"Our prayer is to have all of us in the final. The (1500m) race has changed. It's more of a sprint and we have to stick in the "cabin" until the end."
After struggling with a knee injury for the better part of the past year, 'Uncle' as fellow athletes call him, has never felt better since winning the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar.
He feels inspired by the Olympic glory. If not, he tipped himself to be on the podium, whichever came his way. The times clocked in his heat is a sign of what to expect in the final.
"It was all about getting to the semis. Our heat was fast but the target was to advance (not time)," he said.
"Championships are all about control, not to run too fast in the heats and semis. But I think it will be fast in the final," he said.
Komen enjoyed his race and the atmosphere on his Olympic Games debut. He is grateful to achieve his target of advancing to the semis.
"My focus was to qualify for the semis. I will go and relax as I wait for the semis," he said.
After controlling the better part of the race, he observed:"It was my strategy. I didn't want to clash with fellow competitors. It was tactical."
He feels his kick is working and hopes to keep unleashing his best as he progresses.
"I have perfected the final kick. Everybody is good in lapping and the place to secure a position (in heats and semis) or a medal, is the last 200m-300m," said the African Games champion.
He will stick to his strategy, adding: "There is nothing to change. I feel I am good enough to challenge the likes of Kerr and Jakob."
