Catherine Reline set sights on Paris Olympics ticket after 2024 Discovery Kenya Cross Country prowess

2023 half marathon bronze medallist Catherine Reline has set her gaze on making it to Team Kenya in the upcoming Paris Olympics. This year's Summer Games are scheduled for July 26 to August 11 in the French capital, Paris.

Reline kicked off her year on high by winning the North Rift region cross-country championships title in 31:22.4 that were held in Kapenguria, West Pokot.

Her fine form continued during the 2024 Discovery Kenya Cross Country last Sunday where she was in a class of her own, winning the senior women category in 26:31:5.

This was an improvement from her performance in the 2023 edition where she came in second clocking 28:02:3.

The 2023 episode was won by Immaculate Anyango. Anyango went on to claim the second position during the Valencia Ibercaja race in Spain held on January 14. Together with Agnes Jebet, they made history as the first Kenyan women to break the 29-minute barrier.

Mark Otieno returns with target on Paris

Speaking after winning the event that was held at the Eldoret Sports Club, Reline noted that she was itching for a slot in the upcoming Paris Olympics.

The 2023 Mozzart Bet Chemususu Dam half marathon winner expressed her willingness to compete in the World Cross Country championships in Serbia, but she insisted that her primary focus lies on the grand stage of the Olympics.

"I am putting in a lot of effort to make the team that will go for the world cross-country in Serbia. I am targeting the Olympics. Last year, I fell short of the time, but this year I will do my best to make the team," she expressed.

While she remained uncertain about whether she would compete in the Sirikwa Cross Country championships, the 2023 World Athletics Road Running Championships bronze medallist was optimistic that she would keep her fine form going this year. The Sirikwa World Cross Country Tour gold meeting returns to the scenic Lobo Village on Saturday, February 3.

The event will be used to select the team that will represent Kenya in the upcoming World Cross Country Championships slated for Tunis, Tunisia.

"I am not sure if I will compete in the Sirikwa Cross Country. I train in Kapsait," she explained.

Meanwhile, seasoned Margaret Chelimo has also set lofty ambitions after coming in second in the Discovery Kenya Cross Country Championships. Chelimo noted that the course tested her insurance but she was glad to finish second. Similar to Reline, Chelimo has set her gaze on the upcoming Paris Olympics.

"The first one is world cross country but it is not my main target. It will be good for my endurance. My main target is the Olympics," she offered.

Hailu to battle Meshesha in Czech Indoor Gala's first women's mile race