Kenya’s track and field legacy is set to shine once more at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, with a cadre of talented athletes ready to make their mark on the global stage.
Among them are three standouts who have honed their skills in the United States: Sharon Lokedi, Susan Ejore, and Edwin Kurgat. These athletes have managed to balance their athletic pursuits with academic achievements. Sharon Lokedi, the 30-year-old 2022 New York City Marathon champion, embarked on her American journey in 2015 after graduating from Kapkenda Girls High School in Elgeyo Marakwet County. At the University of Kansas, she not only excelled in long-distance races but also earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Logistics and Supply Chain. Lokedi’s commitment to personal growth continues as she pursues a nursing degree while training with the Under Armour Running Company.
Susan Ejore, 28, began her US stay in 2016 at Monroe College in New York, later transferring to Oregon State University where she completed her psychology degree in 2020. Ejore has been meticulously preparing for her Olympic debut, dividing her time between Kenya and the USA to refine her skills in the 1,500-metre event. Edwin Kurgat, also 28, secured his place on the Kenyan team with a third-place finish at the national trials. His Olympic qualification came after an impressive performance at the Boston University John Thomas Terrier Classic, where he clocked 12 minutes and 57.52 seconds in the 5,000 metres. Kurgat will join teammates Ronald Kwemoi and Jacob Krop in the men’s 5,000m race in Paris.
The 5,000m event holds particular significance for Kenya, having been part of the Olympics since 1912. John Ngugi’s gold medal at the 1988 Seoul Games marked Kenya’s first Olympic victory in this discipline. Subsequent years saw Paul Bitok claim silver medals in Barcelona (1992) and Atlanta (1996), while Eliud Kipchoge secured bronze in Athens (2004) and silver in Beijing (2008). The most recent Olympic medal for Kenya in this event was Thomas Longosiwa’s bronze in London 2012. Kurgat now carries the hopes of ending Kenya’s medal drought in the 5,000m which has persisted for the past two Olympics.
The 2024 Paris Olympics will feature a formidable Kenyan athletics team across various events. Sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala will compete in the men’s 100m, while Mary Moraa takes on both the women’s 400m and 800m. Faith Kipyegon, a dominant force in middle-distance running, is set to compete in the women’s 1,500m and 5,000m. The women’s 5,000m will also see two-time World Championships medalist Beatrice Chebet in action as Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the world 800m silver medalist, leads Kenya’s charge in the men’s 800m.
Kenya’s marathon team is equally impressive, with defending Olympic champions Eliud Kipchoge and Peres Jepchirchir headlining the squad. The Kenyan athletes have undergone rigorous preparation for the Olympics, with training camps established both in Kenya and the United States.
There is nothing special…
There is nothing special about training in USA,especially for long,and middle distance races.Where that not the case, we would be witnessing an a”avalance” of athletes from’ medal-less’ countries running to USA training centers.Not only that,Americans themselves would be dominating these races.
Point is that at play is something more than just the training place. It’s something inate.Something you are born with.Yes you need the drive the hunger, the dedication, the discipline,and above all,the TALENT.
Well, the world has been banking on ITEN training as well. Will see. Go team Kenya !
Where is the shine? Not even…
Where is the shine? Not even on the map!!! Kenyans are great at distance running but mostly under favorable weather conditions!!! Too much heat and humidity crashes Kenyan athletes!!!