Olympic marathon defending champion Peres Jepchirchir and Team Kenya debutant Sharon Lokedi believe they, alongside Hellen Obiri, can make a historic podium sweep at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games on Sunday.
Peres ruled the streets of Tokyo three years ago and even though she is anxious ahead of her title defence, says they have what it takes to leave a mark.
Speaking at the Olympic Village on Friday, Jepchirchir said: "It's my dream to defend the title despite the tension. Expectations are high at home but we have a strong team. I am grateful to run alongside these colleagues. My prayer is to have all of us on the podium."
She added: " It will be unbelievable if I defend my title. It would mean a lot though it'll not be easy. I have a lot of tension though this is a different kind of racing (from city marathons) since I am running for my country. It's a tough and stressful one."
Lokedi is keen to make her Team Kenya debut count. She was initially named reserve to Jepchirchir, Obiri and Brigid Kosgei.
However, a late withdrawal by Kosgei, a former record holder, saw Lokedi upgraded to the travelling party. "It's a dream come true, an opportunity like no other," she said.
"I am going to utilise this chance... have fun out there as I represent my country. I am looking forward to it. I have been watching people and cheering them on and now it is our turn," she said.
"It hasn't been easy though. I have worked so hard. I would come close and then I am not quite there. I tried when I was still running track but I never got in (Team Kenya). I decided to go to the roads and here I am."
"It's about the persistence and fighting through the challenges, wanting the best and not giving up... getting up every morning and be like 'I can get this done'," she noted.
Like Jepchirchir, she is counting on her camaraderie with Obiri and Lokedi. "We want to go out there, work together and show our strength as a team. And in the end, we lift the flag together. I think that'll be magical," she added.
Their main challengers include Ethiopia’s world record holder Tigst Assefa ( 2:11:53), her compatriot Megertu Alemu, Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands and Kenyan-born Bahraini duo of Rose Chelimo and Eunice Chumba.
