Kenya's hits and misses at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games

Kenya's performance at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games marked a notable improvement, with the country securing 11 medals; four gold, two silver, and five bronze

This impressive showing ensured Kenya in 17th place in the overall rankings and topped the African continent.

Alongside the slight improvement from the last edition in Tokyo, Kenya managed to defend two titles, while missing out of some medals to the chagrin of mane fans.

that Kenya managed to defend and some that they did not achieve compared to the Tokyo Olympics.

Faith Kipyegon, 1500m Olympic and world champion, continued her dominance in middle-distance race, defending her women’s 1500m title for the second successive time and bagging it for the third time in a row. She not only won gold but also set a new Olympic record.

In the 5000m race, Kipyegon secured a silver medal, which had been won by Hellen Obiri in Tokyo.

Another golden moment for Kenya came through Beatrice Chebet, made history as the first Kenyan to win Olympic gold in the women’s 10,000m race and further showcased her talent by clinching another gold in the 5000m race.

Emmanuel Wanyonyi, making his Olympic debut, defended Kenya’s title in the men’s 800m men’s race, a feat previously achieved by Emmanuel Korir in the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Kenya has now successfully defended its men’s 800m title for a record five consecutive Olympic Games.

Kenya is yet to regain its dominance in the steeplechase races but managed to win bronze in the race through Abraham Kibiwot and 20-year-old Faith Cherotich.

In the men’s marathon, Eliud Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic champion, was unable to defend his title and make it three-peat, as he did not finish the race for the first time in his career.

However, Benson Kipruto spared Kenya the blushes and bagged the country the only podium position in the men’s marathon by finishing third and taking home the bronze medal.

In the women’s category, Tokyo Olympics gold medalist, Peres Jepchirchir, also failed in her title defence attempt as she finished 15th in Paris.

Hellen Obiri, a two-time 5000m Olympics silver medalist, managed to secure a bronze medal on her marathon debut at the Summer Games.

The men’s 1500m race saw Kenya fall short of a medal, despite having two participants in the final.

Overall, Kenya's performance in Paris highlighted the need to nurture and develop young talents and embrace new technology in terms of facilities and equipment, in order to maintain its status as a powerhouse in middle and long-distance running.