Kipyegon on track as Kenya's athletics medal quest begins in Paris

Team Kenya's hunt for medals on the track begins in earnest this Friday afternoon as the track and field events kick off at the iconic Stade de France in Paris.

As the athletics events commence, Team Kenya’s athletes are poised to make their mark and bring glory to the nation.

Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot, from Sing’orwet in Bomet County, will lead Kenya's charge as they seek semi-final berths. Joining him are rising star and World Under-20 1500m champion Reynold Cheruiyot, from nearby Tarakwa in Bomet County, and Africa Champion Brian Komen.

“My training has been okay and I’m ready to compete against my rivals. Last year at the World Championships was a bit tricky for me, but I thank God for making the final. I was not used to running for two consecutive days, which affected my performance in Budapest,” Reynold Cheruiyot remarked.

Komen will compete in Heat One, Timothy Cheruiyot in Heat Two, and Reynold Cheruiyot in Heat Three. The top six finishers in each heat will advance to the semi-finals.

All eyes will be on double world record holder Faith Kipyegon whose dreams started at Nbabibit Village in Chebara of Kuresoi South and now carrying hopes of millions of Kenyan fans will begin her campaign in the 5,000m. Entering the heats with high confidence, Kipyegon set a world record in this event last year.

She will face stiff competition from Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Gudaf Tsegay, Ejgayehu Taye of Ethiopia, compatriot Margaret Chelimo, and the versatile Sifan Hassan.

"My feeling is that everyone will be going for the medals, and at this point, anything goes. Let’s pray for good health,” said Kipyegon.

Beatrice Chebet, the world silver medalist and another top contender for Kenya, will also compete. The top eight finishers in each heat will secure a spot in the final.

Kenya’s 4x400m relay team, which qualified for the Games through ranking, will face a challenging Heat One against strong teams from Jamaica, the USA, and Poland.

The Kenyan team includes Mercy Chebet, David Sanayek, Veronica Mutua, and Boniface Mweresa.

The top three finishers from each heat will advance to the final, along with the two fastest fourth-placed teams across both heats.

World champion Mary Moraa will begin her quest for Olympic gold in the women’s 800m heats in Heat Five.

She will be joined by debutants Lilian Odira and Vivian Chebet, who will compete in heats six and three, respectively.