In-form Faith Kipyegon to double in 5000m, 1500m at Paris Olympics

The former 5,000m world record holder Saturday morning eased to 1,500m victory at the national Olympic trials held at the Nyayo Stadium - Nairobi, clocking 3:53.98 to confirm her double entry to the Paris Games.

Kipyegon, who is the reigning 1,500m and 5,000m world champion, will thus attempt to repeat her heroics of Budapest 2023 at the Olympics, and is already looking forward to it.

"I'm so excited, to be back after that long break and run 3:53 is not an easy task, but I really thank God. I wanted to run fast yes, to see where I am and what I need to go work on and I'm happy it has gone well.

"I can confirm that I will be doubling in 1,500m and 5,000m. I'm asking my fans to pray for me, and it will be a fun race going forward," said a visibly elated Kipyegon.

Asked about a possibility of attempting to break Olympic records in the two distances, she was positive that she is limiting herself to nothing.

"I'm praying to God that I remain healthy, injury free and anything is possible, records are there to be broken," she noted, in her characteristic cool smile.

She was however quick to mention that what will matter most for her will be getting to the podium in the two races, noting "what happens at the finish line is the most important, so no pressure."

Nelly Chepchirchir came home in 3:58.46 to pick the second automatic ticket, while ran a 4:00.22 to seal the third spot. 

Earlier on, former world champion Julius Yego threw a sorry 76.42, way below the 85.50 qualification mark in the men's javelin competition. Yego conceded it was a bad day for him.

"I can simply say my body did not respond well today. It is like I was physically here but still in bed. I have two upcoming competitions in which I want to push myself as much as I can. 

In the men's 5,000m, Ronald Kwemoi led Jacob Krop to seal the top two slots, in 13:27.20 and 13:27.54. Edwin Kurgat was third, timing 13:27.75, meaning all ran below the qualification standard of 13:05.00.