Kenya’s quest for gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics intensifies as Faith Cherotich, Beatrice Chepkoech, Brian Komen, and Timothy Cheruiyot take the stage for their finals at the Stade de France on Tuesday night.
Cherotich, the reigning world under-20 champion, and Chepkoech, the world record holder, aim to secure Kenya’s first 3,000m steeplechase title.
Their predecessors, including Hyvin Kiyeng with silver and bronze from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, have set a high bar, but both Cherotich and Chepkoech are primed to achieve a historic victory.
In the men’s 1,500m race, Olympic silver medallist Cheruiyot and national champion Komen will face stiff competition.
Both athletes advanced to the finals after strong semifinal performances on Friday.
Komen, who overcame illness to make the final, and Cheruiyot, a seasoned competitor, will need to strategize meticulously to secure medals.
Their performances in the semifinals were impressive, with Komen finishing 2nd in his heat and Cheruiyot 5th in a highly competitive field.
Julius Yego, a two-time Olympic silver medallist, begins his quest for a final spot in the javelin qualification rounds.
Yego’s performance will be pivotal as he aims to make a significant impact in his fourth Olympic Games.
Meanwhile, Faith Kipyegon, the world record holder in the 1,500m, along with Nelly Chepchirchir and Susan Ejore, will compete in the first round of the 1500m contest.
Kipyegon’s recent world records add to the excitement as she and her teammates seek to shine on the Olympic stage.