Athletics Kenya is planning to select a strong team for the 31st Olympic Games, with the trials set for the 14th and 15th of this month at the Nyayo National stadium.
According to AK executive member Barnaba Korir, all athletes will be given equal opportunities during trials for the remaining track and field events following the conclusion of the selection of the 10,000 meters last week at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League in the USA.
“We were having an engagement today with athletes in an effort to establish the kind of support they need from us in order to deliver at the Olympic Games this year in Paris, France.So tomorrow we will also be meeting the marathoners in Eldoret who are preparing for the games, and as you know, Kenya will be defending both titles in Paris.”said Korir
AK has also assured athletes that the two-day trials will be held at Nyayo Stadium and not Ulinzi Complex, as it was announced earlier after the ministry of sports headed the federation’s request to use the venue, which is certified by World Athletics.
“Athletes need to focus now that we have engaged the ministry of sports and agreed to allow us to use Nyayo Stadium for our two-day Olympic trials. This move will give us an opportunity to select the best team for the Olympics.” Korir added
Two-time world cross-country champion Beatrice Chebet shuttered the 10,000m last week at the Prefontaine Classic to book her ticket for the summer Olympic games, in which she will be appearing for the first time.
“Prefontaine Classic was epic, and we thank the government, which enabled us to send a big team of athletes for the 10,000m as part of the plan to ensure that Kenya not only participates at this year’s Olympic games but also wins the elusive gold medal. Beatrice’s world record was a surprise to many of us, but we are happy that she qualified with a strong statement: .” Said Korir
AK also clarified that the top two finishers at last week’s Prefontaine Classic will earn direct qualification for the Olympic Games, with the third athlete set to be selected by a panel of judges.
Kenya will be seeking to bag the 1st Olympic gold medal in women’s 10000m this year and a 2nd gold in men’s race since Naftali Temu’s victory in 1968.
Athletics at this year’s Olympic Games is set to be held from August 1 to August 11.
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