Struggles on the Track: Top 5 Kenyan Male Athletes Who Faced Disappointment in 2024

As the 2024 athletics season wraps up, the spotlight shines on both the celebrated champions and the athletes who faced considerable challenges. While some Kenyan athletes bask in the glory of their achievements, others are left to grapple with disappointment, particularly those who had a season that fell far below expectations. Here, we delve into the stories of five Kenyan male athletes who experienced a nightmarish 2024 season and what lies ahead for them.

1. Eliud Kipchoge

Eliud Kipchoge, the legendary marathon runner and a name synonymous with marathon excellence, had a season that will be remembered for its struggles. Competing in two major events, Kipchoge’s performances failed to meet the high standards he has set throughout his illustrious career.

His season commenced at the Tokyo Marathon in March, a race that left him with a bitter aftertaste as he finished in a disappointing 10th place—his worst-ever finish in a competitive event. This performance shocked fans and pundits alike, who are accustomed to seeing Kipchoge atop the podium.

Kipchoge aimed to redeem himself at the Paris Olympics, but his aspirations quickly dissolved when he was forced to drop out of the race at the 31 km mark. This marked a significant blow for the athlete who had previously been almost unbeatable in marathon events. Despite the setbacks, Kipchoge has expressed his determination to return stronger next year, vowing to reassess and adjust his strategies as he aims to reclaim his status as the world’s leading marathoner.

2. Emmanuel Korir

Former Olympic champion Emmanuel Korir entered the 2024 season with high hopes of defending his title but quickly faced the harsh realities of injuries and poor form. His season took a downward turn at the Kenyan Olympic trials, where he finished sixth, failing to advance past the semi-finals.

Korir’s return to competitive racing was marked by a lackluster performance at the Rabat Diamond League in May, where he placed ninth. This disappointing result followed a forgettable outing at the 2023 World Championships, where he was eliminated in the heats. With every race, it became clear that the path back to form would be fraught with challenges.

Korir’s struggles have raised questions about his future, particularly as he looks to make a comeback in 2025. The athlete’s journey serves as a reminder of the physical and mental toll that competitive athletics can take, especially when plagued by injury and underperformance.

3. Conseslus Kipruto

Conseslus Kipruto, a two-time world champion in the 3,000m steeplechase, made a much-anticipated return to the track in May after an extended absence due to injuries and personal issues. However, his comeback was anything but triumphant, as he faced immediate setbacks that would characterize his season.

At the Rabat Diamond League, Kipruto finished a dismal 18th place, missing the Olympic qualifying mark. His struggles continued at the Olympic trials, where he managed only a 10th place finish, failing to earn a spot on the Kenyan team. Kipruto’s performances have drawn concern, as he has not regained the form that made him a formidable competitor prior to his hiatus.

His final outing of the season in Liege, Belgium, was equally disappointing, where he finished 14th. The 2024 season was a harsh reminder of the fierce competition in athletics and the challenges of bouncing back after injury. Kipruto will need to reassess his training and recovery strategies as he aims to rediscover his peak performance in the upcoming seasons.

4. Daniel Ebenyo

While Daniel Ebenyo’s performances throughout the 2024 season were generally commendable, a series of unfortunate events left him heartbroken and without an Olympic berth. Throughout the season, he consistently finished in the top three of his races, showcasing his potential as a rising star in long-distance running.

However, the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, which doubled as Kenya’s Olympic trials for the 10,000m, proved to be a disastrous outing for Ebenyo. A visa delay caused him to arrive late, and during the race, he tripped and fell, ultimately finishing in eighth place. This result meant he missed out on a chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics, where only the first two finishers earned direct tickets.

The final slot, which could have been awarded through Athletics Kenya’s selection panel, slipped away as they chose Bernard Kibet, who finished third in Eugene. Ebenyo was left to reflect on what might have been, feeling let down by the promises of support from Athletics Kenya. Despite this heartbreak, he is set to compete in the Chicago Marathon, where he hopes to end the year on a high note.

5. Ferguson Rotich

Ferguson Rotich, the 2019 world 800m bronze medalist and silver medalist at the 2020 Olympics, also faced a disappointing season as he sought to secure a spot at the Paris Olympics. Unfortunately for Rotich, his season was marred by a series of lackluster performances that culminated in his failure to qualify for the Olympics.

During the trials, he couldn’t progress beyond the first-round heats, finishing fourth, which was a shocking outcome given his pedigree. His subsequent races included a sixth-place finish in Turku, Romania, in the 800m and a fourth place in a 600m race in Liege. While he had started the season with three consecutive third-place finishes, his inability to build on those results left him on the outside looking in when it came to Olympic selection.

As he reflects on the season, Rotich will need to reconsider his training and racing strategies to ensure he can reclaim his position among the elite in 2025. The disappointment of 2024 serves as a pivotal moment for him to reassess and re-energize his athletic ambitions.

Conclusion

The 2024 season has been a mixed bag for Kenyan male athletes, with some achieving great success while others faced significant setbacks. Eliud Kipchoge, Emmanuel Korir, Conseslus Kipruto, Daniel Ebenyo, and Ferguson Rotich all encountered difficulties that will require them to adapt and refocus as they look ahead to the 2025 season. For these athletes, the upcoming year presents an opportunity for redemption and a chance to reaffirm their places in the competitive world of athletics. As they regroup and strategize, the resilience and determination that have defined their careers will be crucial in overcoming the challenges that lie ahead.