As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games continues, Athletics Kenya (AK) has unveiled a robust plan to reclaim the steeplechase title, a crown that slipped from their grasp during the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The ambitious strategy aims not only to restore Kenya’s dominance in the men’s race but also to clinch their inaugural victory in the women’s event.
Central to this rejuvenation effort is the involvement of steeplechase legends Ezekiel Kemboi and Richard Mateelong. Kemboi, a two-time Olympic champion, and Mateelong, the 2008 Olympic bronze medallist, bring a wealth of experience and unparalleled expertise to the training camp. Their inclusion is seen as a strategic move to inject a winning mentality and impart crucial tactical knowledge to the current crop of athletes.
AK Nairobi Chair, Barnaba Korir, articulated this vision in an exclusive interview with Capital Sport. “Having Ezekiel and Richard in the training team is a game-changer. Their presence will undoubtedly inspire our athletes and provide them with the technical and mental edge needed to excel on the global stage,” Korir remarked.
Leading the charge in the men’s category is the promising talent, Amos Serem. Serem, who has shown remarkable progress and resilience, will be joined by seasoned athletes Abraham Kibiwott and Simon Koech. This trio represents a blend of youthful vigor and seasoned experience, a combination that AK hopes will restore Kenya’s steeplechase dominance.
Serem’s recent performances have been particularly noteworthy, and with the guidance of Kemboi and Mateelong, expectations are high. Kibiwott and Koech, both of whom have had commendable runs in previous competitions, add depth and stability to the team.
While Kenya has a storied history in the men’s steeplechase, the women’s team is aiming for a groundbreaking achievement. The women’s squad is undergoing rigorous training, driven by the aspiration to secure their first Olympic title in this event. The presence of seasoned male athletes in the training camp is also expected to provide a motivational boost to the female athletes.
The training program under AK is meticulously designed, incorporating not just physical conditioning but also tactical drills, mental resilience exercises, and race simulations. The athletes are training at high-altitude locations, leveraging Kenya’s natural advantage to build stamina and endurance. Regular inter-team competitions and participation in international meets are also part of the strategy to ensure the athletes are competition-ready.
With Paris 2024 on the horizon, the focus within Athletics Kenya is sharp and the resolve unyielding. The combined efforts of legendary figures and emerging stars are creating a potent mix aimed at reclaiming Kenya’s lost glory in the men’s steeplechase and breaking new ground in the women’s event.
As the world watches, Kenya’s steeplechase athletes are gearing up to showcase their mettle, driven by a legacy of excellence and a burning desire to stand atop the Olympic podium once more.
