Kasait beats Obiri in 5000m Olympics trials

The former world cross country champion surprised the favourite, Olympics silver medalist and double World champion Hellen Obiri who tried to chase her down the final lap in vain. Obiri clocked 14:52.51 for second place.

World 10,000m bronze medalist Agnes Tirop came in third in 14:53.91 to stand a chance of clinching the third slot to the Summer Games. The third slot will be decided on by a selection committee as the first two to cross the line got automatic slots.

"I did not expect to win given the athletes I was up against. This is a great achievement as it will be my debut at the Olympics. I know the task ahead is even tougher but with good health I know the Kenyan team will be do well. It has been seven months of training and I didn't know my finishing kick was this good. Back in training, we make it better and work as a team to bring that gold and of possible all the podium positions," said Kasait.

Meanwhile Obiri, who us likely to double as she in the 10,000m start list says she was under alot of pressure but she is determined to get that Olympics gold that is missing in her cabinet.

"I went through some injuries in the run up to the trials and that coupled with the pressure of making the team with such a strong field was a challenge. My main aim was to make the team today. With less than 40 days to go, I will have to catch up on my speed as I prepare for the Olympics. We have strong competition in Tokyo but going by the times we all posted at high altitude is a good indicator that we are in a good place as team Kenya. We will have no pace makers in Tokyo so this is anybody's race. Just like 2016 when no kne expected Cheruiyot to win, this could be the case but I am not worried at all," said Obiri who has confirmed moving to road racing after the Olympics.

Previously, Obiri had confirmed that she was going to double at the Olympics but that is now in doubt as she says her injury-prone season may have hindered her preparations for a double.