Team Kenya’s quest for medals on the track begins in earnest this Friday afternoon as the track and field events kick off at the iconic Stade de France in Paris.
With the athletics competitions underway, Team Kenya’s athletes are ready to shine and bring pride to the nation.
Friday’s Events for Team Kenya:
– 12:10 PM – Men’s 1500m Preliminaries
Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot, hailing from Sing’orwet in Bomet County, will lead Kenya’s charge as they aim for semi-final spots. He will be joined by rising star and World Under-20 1500m champion Reynold Cheruiyot from nearby Tarakwa in Bomet County, along with Africa Champion Brian Komen.
“My training has been okay and I’m ready to compete against my rivals. Last year at the World Championships was a bit tricky for me, but I thank God for making the final. I was not used to running for two consecutive days, which affected my performance in Budapest,” Reynold Cheruiyot remarked.
Komen will compete in Heat One, Timothy Cheruiyot in Heat Two, and Reynold Cheruiyot in Heat Three. The top six finishers in each heat will advance to the semi-finals.
7:10 PM – Women’s 5,000m Heats
All eyes will be on double world record holder Faith Kipyegon, whose journey began in Nbabibit Village in Chebara, Kuresoi South, as she carries the hopes of millions of Kenyan fans into the 5,000m. Entering the heats with high confidence, Kipyegon set a world record in this event last year.
She will face tough competition from Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Gudaf Tsegay, Ejgayehu Taye of Ethiopia, compatriot Margaret Chelimo, and the versatile Sifan Hassan.
“My feeling is that everyone will be going for the medals, and at this point, anything goes. Let’s pray for good health,” Kipyegon stated.
Beatrice Chebet, the world silver medalist and another strong contender for Kenya, will also compete. The top eight finishers in each heat will secure a place in the final.
8:10 PM – 4x400m Mixed Relay
Kenya’s 4x400m relay team, which qualified for the Games through ranking, will face a tough Heat One against formidable teams from Jamaica, the USA, and Poland.
The Kenyan team features Mercy Chebet, David Sanayek, Veronica Mutua, and Boniface Mweresa. The top three finishers from each heat will advance to the final, along with the two fastest fourth-placed teams across both heats.
8:45 PM – Women’s 800m
World champion Mary Moraa will kick off her pursuit of Olympic gold in the women’s 800m heats, competing in Heat Five. She will be joined by debutants Lilian Odira and Vivian Chebet, who will compete in heats six and three, respectively.
