Paris here we come! Team Kenya for Olympic Games named - what the stars said

Athletics Kenya has announced a team of 35 athletes who will compete in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games while some athletes are still working hard to meet the qualifying times before the deadline.

Three-time world 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon, Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala, and newly crowned 10,000m world record holder Beatrice Chebet will headline the team.

Kipyegon, aware of the challenges ahead, remains focused on making history by aiming for gold in both the 1500m and 5000m events.

 "It would be history to win the 1500m for the third time and also to clinch the 5000m. I know it is not going to be easy, but I am going to try and see what will be possible," said the double Olympic 1500m champion.

In the sprints, Ferdinand Omanyala clocked a world-leading time of 9.79 seconds, marking his second fastest time in history and receiving a standing ovation at Nyayo Stadium.

“This should be a warning to so many sprinters right now because when I peak, I peak so well. I am happy that it is coming at this time, less than a month and a half to the Olympics, that’s our target.”

Zablon Ekwam will compete in the men’s 400m, while Wiseman Were joins the 400m hurdles team.

Teen sensation and world silver medallist Emmanuel Wanyonyi leads the men’s 800m team, alongside Commonwealth Games champion Wycliffe Kinyamal and Koitatoi Kidali.

 Wanyonyi, having bounced back from a fall on Friday, claimed top honours in the men’s 800m final at the Kenyan Olympic trials, clocking a world-leading and personal best time of 1:41.27. This time is the third fastest in the world behind David Rudisha’s records.

“I feel good and I’m training well with the hope that God will give us good health and help us run well at the Olympics,” Wanyonyi said.

Joining Faith Kipyegon in the women's 1500m are Susan Ejore and Nelly Chepchirchir. World 800m champion Mary Moraa and newcomer Lilian Odira will compete in the 800m.

The women’s 3000m steeplechase team includes youngster Faith Cherotich, world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech, and Jackline Chepkoech. Simon Koech, Amos Serem, and Abraham Kibiwott will compete in the men's 3000m steeplechase.

Faith Kipyegon will also double up in the women’s 5000m, joined by Beatrice Chebet. The men's 5000m team consists of Ronald Kwemoi, Jacob Krop, and Edwin Kurgat. Krop secured his place by finishing second in the 5000m Olympic trials, clocking an impressive 13:27.54 behind Ronald Kwemoi, who won in 13:27.20, with Edwin Kurgat completing the podium at 13:27.75.

In the 10,000m, Beatrice Chebet and Lilian Kasait will compete, while Daniel Mateiko, the world leader at the distance, will headline the men's team alongside Nicholas Kipkorir and Bernard Kibet.

Athletics Kenya has also invited Margaret Chelimo, Sarah Moraa, Kyumbe Munguti, and Julius Yego, who must still qualify, to join the team.

The marathon team remains unchanged, with defending champions Peres Jepchirchir and Eliud Kipchoge leading the field. Kipchoge is joined by Benson Kipruto and Alexander Mutiso, with Timothy Kiplagat as a reserve. Jepchirchir is joined by Hellen Obiri, Brigid Kosgei, and Sharon Lokedi as a reserve.

Athletics events in Paris will start on August 1 and conclude on August 11 at the Stade de France.

100m Men

1. Ferdinand Omanyala

400m Women

1. Mary Moraa

400m Men

1. Zablon Ekwong

400 Men Hurdles

1. Wiseman Were

800m Women

1. Lilian Odira

800m Men

1. Emmanuel Wanyonyi

2. Wycliffe Kinyamal

3. Koitatoi Kidali

1500m Women

1. Faith Kipyegon

2. Mary Chepchirchir

3. Susan Ejore

1500m Men

1. Reynold Cheruiyot

2. Timothy Cheruiyot

3000m SC Women

1. Faith Cherotich

2. Beatrice Chepkoech

3. Jackline Chepkoech

3,000m SC Men

1. Amos Serem

2. Simon Koech

3. Abraham Kibiwott

5000m Women

1. Beatrice Chebet

5,000m Men

1. Ronald Kwemoi

2. Jacob Krop

3. Edwin Kurgat

10,000m Women

1. Beatrice Chebet

2. Lilian Kasaich

3. Margaret Chelimo

10,000m Men

1. Daniel Mateiko

2. Nicholas Kipkorir

3. Bernard Kibet

Women Marathon

1. Peres Jepchirchir

2. Hellen Obiri

3. Bridgit Kosgey

Men Marathon

1. Eliud Kipchoge

2. Benson Kipruto

3. Alexander Mutiso

4. Timothy Kiplagat

Team Manager - Peter Angwenyi

Coaches

1. Geofrey Kimani

2. Stanley Towet

3. Askaria Jelagat

4. Bernard Ouma

5. Alex Sang

6. Julius Kirwa

7. James Mutisya

8. Eustine chepchirchir

Marathon coaches

1. Patrick Sang

2. Nicholas koech

3. Mary Keitany