The final selection of three male and three female athletes to compete in the Olympic races, along with nominations for reserves, is expected to be announced by Team Kenya later in April.
Athletics Kenya finalized its marathon squads for the Paris 2024 Olympics on April 4th, retaining Tokyo Olympic gold medalists Eliud Kipchoge and Peres Jepchirchir, marking no major surprises.
The selection, a moment eagerly awaited, saw the announcement of five men and six women on the shortlists. Kenya is permitted to enter a maximum of three runners in each Olympic race.
Headlining the men's list is two-time defending champion Kipchoge, with the unexpected absence of world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, who tragically passed away earlier. Kiptum and Kipchoge were anticipated to vie for the gold on August 10, 2024. Kiptum's death occurred in February due to a road accident at the age of 24, shortly after setting a new world record of 2:00:35 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
Kipchoge is accompanied by Benson Kipruto, Timothy Kiplagat, Vincent Ngetich, and Alexander Munyao in the men's shortlist.
Four of these runners were part of the provisional long list announced by Athletics Kenya last December, which was selected based on the 2023 world marathon rankings and performances at the six World Marathon Majors.
A notable addition to the latest list is Munyao, who wasn't previously included in the squad. He claimed victory at the Prague Marathon last year and secured second place in Valencia to conclude his season.
Kipchoge, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive title in Paris, leads the team as the fastest marathoner alive. Kipruto, the runner-up to Kiptum in Chicago, holds the fifth fastest time of all time.
Kiplagat, second in the 2024 Tokyo Marathon, and Ngetich, second in Berlin last year behind double Olympic marathon champion Kipchoge, complete the formidable lineup.
In the women's shortlist, alongside defending champion Jepchirchir, are notable names such as Hellen Obiri, Ruth Chepngetich, Brigid Kosgei, Sharon Lokedi, and Rosemary Wanjiru.
The women's Olympic race is scheduled for August 11, the day following the men's marathon.
The final selection of three male and three female athletes to compete in the Olympic races, along with nominations for reserves, is expected to be announced by Team Kenya later in April.
Ultimately, athletes' participation in the Paris Games hinges on their National Olympic Committees selecting them to represent their respective delegations.