Paris 2024: Steeplechase great Ezekiel Kemboi backs Kenya to shine at Olympics

Two-time Olympic 3,000m steeplechase gold medallist Ezekiel Kemboi has backed Team Kenya to shine in this year’s Olympic Games.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Kemboi said youthfulness in the team makes them favourites to shine in different athletics categories when the athletic program officially begins Friday.

“They are a very young team who are very motivated ahead of the competition; they have been given all the necessary support they require to conquer the world. I am confident they will shine,” said Kemboi.

The former world champion has been in residential training camp with the steeplechase team consisting of Simon Koech, Amos Serem, and Abraham Kibiwott and says he is impressed by their hard work and positive attitude toward improving their running skills.

“They are really motivated; they have been working very hard in training; they are disciplined and determined to learn from the best, which is a good thing,” added Kemboi.

Kenya had won steeplechase gold at every Olympics since 1968 before El Bakkali spoiled the party in Tokyo and the country is keen to ensure they reclaim their crown in Paris.

“We worked on team tactics and endurance which is something that they have been struggling with but now they look set to conquer the world when the games begin,” stated the former world champion.