This weekend, the Nyayo National Stadium will host a high-stakes event as Athletics Kenya conducts its trials to select the team for the Paris 2024 Olympics. For many athletes, this represents the last opportunity to secure a coveted spot on the Olympic team. Among the hopefuls are some of Kenya’s most renowned runners, each grappling with their own challenges and looking for redemption.
Timothy Cheruiyot, the 2019 world champion in the 1,500 meters, is no stranger to success. Between 2017 and 2022, Cheruiyot amassed an impressive collection of medals, including a gold at the 2019 World Championships and multiple silvers at the Commonwealth Games. His dominance extended to the Diamond League, where he clinched four trophies and secured a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
However, Cheruiyot’s journey since 2023 has been rocky. Injuries plagued his performance, culminating in a disappointing exit at the semi-finals of the 2023 World Championships. After a break, he returned at the 2024 Kip Keino Classic but only managed a seventh-place finish in the 800 meters. Despite these setbacks, Cheruiyot has shown signs of resurgence with back-to-back second-place finishes in the 1,500 meters at the Doha and Oslo Diamond Leagues.
As he heads into the trials, Cheruiyot faces stiff competition from emerging talents like Reynold Cheruiyot and Brian Komen. His recent performances suggest he is on the right track, but he must deliver his best to secure a ticket to Paris.
Emmanuel Korir, the reigning Olympic champion in the 800 meters, finds himself under intense pressure. The 28-year-old’s return to competition at the Rabat Diamond League last month marked his first outing since a disappointing performance at the 2023 World Championships, where he failed to advance past the heats.
Korir’s comeback has been anything but smooth. He finished ninth in Rabat and has yet to meet the Olympic qualifying standard. This weekend’s trials are critical for Korir, as he faces formidable opponents, including world silver medallist Emmanuel Wanyonyi, seasoned competitor Wycliffe Kinyamal, and the experienced Ferguson Rotich.
To defend his Olympic title, Korir needs a significant improvement in his performance. The trials will be a true test of his resilience and readiness to compete at the highest level.
Two-time world champion in the 3,000 meters steeplechase, Conseslus Kipruto, is another high-profile athlete seeking to reclaim his form. Kipruto’s career has been marred by injuries, poor form, and personal issues since his 2019 triumph. His recent return to competition after an eight-month hiatus ended in disappointment, with an 18th-place finish and a failure to meet the Olympic qualifying mark.
As the 2016 Olympic champion, Kipruto’s presence at the trials is highly anticipated. However, his path to Paris is fraught with challenges. He must prove that he still has the capability to compete at an elite level and secure his place on the team
The Athletics Kenya Olympic trials are set to be a fiercely contested affair, with pedigree and past achievements holding little weight. For Timothy Cheruiyot, Emmanuel Korir, and Conseslus Kipruto, the trials represent a crucial juncture in their careers. Each athlete must overcome personal and professional hurdles to secure their place at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
As fans and fellow athletes gather at Nyayo National Stadium, the atmosphere will be charged with anticipation. The trials will not only determine who will represent Kenya in Paris but also serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of some of the nation’s most celebrated athletes.
