Athletics

Kenyan marathon dominance expected at Paris 2024 Olympics

Newly elected president of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Kenya Paul Tergat addresses a press conference after his election in Nairobi on September 29, 2017 (Photo: SIMON MAINA/AFP)

By Sports Reporter | Wednesday, December 6, 2023

In the provisional squad for the men's marathon, stars like Amos Kipruto, Benson Kipruto, Geoffrey Kamworor, and Timothy Kiplagat feature prominently alongside Kipchoge and Kiptum. The final team of five will be selected in January 2024.

As anticipation builds for the Paris Olympics in July and August 2024, Paul Tergat, the President of the National Olympic Committee-Kenya (NOC-K), radiates confidence about Kenya's prospects, particularly in the marathon.

Tergat, a former world marathon record holder, expressed his belief that Kenya has the potential to achieve a clean podium sweep in the marathon event. His positive outlook coincides with Kenya's preparations to field top-tier athletes for marathon duty.

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"We are looking to maybe have 1-2-3 if all goes well," says Tergat in a video shared on Olympics.com. He envisions a remarkable showcase in Paris.

Drawing on his historic achievement of setting the marathon world record under 2:05 two decades ago, Tergat emphasised the impact of modern technology on athletes' performance.

“There is so much technology now, unlike during our time, even in terms of shoes and all that. I want to see many athletes running under two hours soon,” the running legend says in the video.

In the provisional squad for the men's marathon, stars like Amos Kipruto, Benson Kipruto, Geoffrey Kamworor, and Timothy Kiplagat feature prominently alongside record breakers Eliud Kipchoge and Kelvin Kiptum. The final team of five will be selected in January 2024.

The women's provisional squad for the marathon includes New York and Boston Marathon winner Hellen Obiri, Olympic gold medallist Peres Jepchirchir, ex-world champion Ruth Chepngetich, Tokyo Marathon winner Rosemary Wanjiru, ex- world record holder Brigid Kosgei and ex- half marathon record holder Joyciline Jepkosgei.