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L. MathekaBattle lines drawn in Athletics Kenya meet
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 12.03.21. | 08:55
In men's 5000m Commonwealth 10,000m bronze medalist Rodgers Kwemoi is expected to returns to avenge his defeat by Africa 3000m junior bronze medalist Gideon Rono in the first meet at Nyayo
Athletes who are looking to hit qualifying times for Tokyo Olympics and others eyeing a chance to impress selectors for the upcoming trials to the World Relays, and Africa Senior Championship as well as World U20 Championship converge at Kasarani on Friday, 12 March for a two-day AK meet.
Fireworks are expected, if the first AK track and field meet is anything to go by, not just in the sprints but also in the middle distance races. Field events competitors also expect tough competition as ne rivalries are renewed.
National triple jump champion Isaac Kirwa has set his sight on improving his 15.79 jump that saw him finish second to Elijah Kipkorir who managed a 16.20 leap to win the first meet.
The Kiganjo-based athlete is hoping to reach the 16.0 mark as it will guarantee him a place in the Africa Senior Championship. His ultimate goal, however, remains qualification to the Summer Olympics.
In men's 5000m Commonwealth 10,000m bronze medalist Rodgers Kwemoi is expected to returns to avenge his defeat by Africa 3000m junior bronze medalist Gideon Rono in the first meet at Nyayo. Rono clocked 13:21.2 to beat Kwemoi's 13:21.8 in a dash to the finish line.
Kwemoi is using the 5000m races as part of his preparations for the Olympics where he has declared to be eyeing a slot in Kenya's team in the 10,000m. Kwemoi, alongside World Half marathon record holder Kibiwott Kandie carry Kenya's hopes of ending a 53-year wait for gold in 10,000m. Kenya's last Olympic gold in the 10,000m race came in 1968 when Naftali Temu triumphed in Mexico. Paul Tergat and Paul Tanui won silver in 2000 and 2016 respectively.
In women's 5000m race an interesting battle is expected as first AK meet winner Sheila Chelagat is likely to race against Daisy Cherotich who won the 10,000m race in the first AK meet.
Cherotich's battle with Chelangat will be a repeat of their clash at the national cross country championship at Ngong Racecourse where Chelagat came first. During the 1st AK track and field weekend meeting at Nyayo, Cherotich won 10,000m in 32:19.1. Chelagat won 5000m in 15:42.25.
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