Bungei backs Kenyan marathoners to shine at Paris Olympics
Former world 800m champion
Wilfred Bungei has backed Kenya's marathon teams named Wednesday afternoon to
shine in the upcoming Olympics in Paris, France .
Bungei said with
the leadership of double champion Eliud Kipchoge who highlights the men's team,
they will certainly deliver medals for the country.
Kipchoge, London Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso and Tokyo
Marathon champion Benson Kipruto will fly Kenya's flag in the men's race.
“They
are very good athletes, experienced and in top form now. With the guidance of
the GOAT himself (Kipchoge) I'm confident they will make the country proud,” said
Bungei.
The women's team has defending champion Peres
Jepchirchir, former -world record holder Brigid Kosgei and two-time Boston
Marathon winner Hellen Obiri.
Timothy
Kiplagat and Sharon Lokedi were named as the reserves for the men's and women's
teams respectively.
“For
the women I'm sure of a podium sweep for sure, those are very good and
experienced athletes. No competitor in other countries comes close to them,” added
Bungei.
At the
same time, Bungei feels Africa's fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala will bounce
back stronger in Paris Olympics after struggling in the Kip Keino Classic last
month where finished fifth.
“The weather
that day didn’t favour him because of the wind, his body frame was a
disadvantage compared to the slimmer athletes.
"What
he needs to do is make sure he doesn’t run so many races before the Olympics to
avoid fatigue. He should compete in only the extremely important races and I'm
sure he will bounce back stronger,” Bungei advised.
Meanwhile, Omanyala is determined to see the national 4×100m
team qualify for the Paris Games, through the World relay Championship in
Bahamas this weekend.
Omanyala however knows they will have to avoid technical mistakes similar to what they made at the Birmingham Commonwealth of Games, in 2022.
“It's all about trust and I don’t think that will happen again.
It's all about trusting the next man and putting into practice what the coaches
say and that’s done. Anybody who will be selected to compete will do it because
all of us are ready. We have one goal, to make this team qualify for the
Olympics," he said.
His sentiments were echoed by teammate Mark Otieno, who is keen
on returning to the Olympics Games after the Tokyo heartache in the last
edition. Otieno was suspended for use of prohibited substances just before
competing in the 100m heats.
“If you check over here everyone is working very hard to
get to the Olympics . Half of this team we are all dad’s , so everyone is
pushing to the limits not only for themselves and the country but also for their
families,” he averred.
The team was in camp for 22 days including the 4×400m teams for
men and women, under coach Stephen Mwaniki, who is hopeful of a good outing.
"We have perfected the whole exercise of handling the relay
button and exchanges, as well as how to avoid stepping on the lines on the lane,"
said Mwaniki.
The six man 4×100m team is led by Ferdinand Omanyala, Mike Mokamba, Mark Otieno, Hesbon Onyango, Simon Chege and Meshack Babu.
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