Ngeny sets 800m world leading time at AK Olympics pre-trials

Kaptagat-based Elias Ngeny starred in the men's 800m, as the three-day Athletics Kenya Olympics pre-trials came to a close on Saturday, 29 May, clocking 1:43.84 to set a new world leading time in the distance. 

Ngeny's time comes hours after his training-mate Wycliffe Kinyamal ran a leading time of 1:43.91 in the Doha Diamond League on Friday, 28 May. 

The little known Ngeny led three others in setting Olympics qualifying time set at 1:45.20 as Hillary Biwot and Noah Kibet came in second and third in 1:44.80 and 1:45.11. 

"I train with Kinyamal under coach Patrick Sang and seeing his performance at the Doha meeting motivated me to push myself at the pre-trial. I expected this win. This is my first win at a national event and with it came a Personal Best (PB) that has qualified me for the Olympics. Now what's remaining is to fight it out with the favourites for the Olympics slot. We also have the Africa Senior Athletics and I will be glad to make any of the teams and represent my country," said the 24-year old, adding that he will work on his speed and endurance ahead of the Olympics trials set for June 17-19 at Kasarani. 

Meanwhile, junior athlete Vincent Keter took advantage of his stable-mate, Timothy Cheruiyot's absence to win the 1500m race in a time of 3:38.66 ahead of Kamati Etieng who clocked 3:39.61 and Silas Kiplagat 3:50.00.

"Today's race was tough despite the small field. This is my first time to win a senior event and it is a motivation for the upcoming events. I am ready for both the World Under-20 and the Olympics. The chance I get I will do my best to represent the country. This might be my last time to pace for the likes of Cheruiyot as given the chance. Training with the world's best has moulded me and I feel ready to graduate. It is, however, a matter of helping each other as teammates whether pacing or competing," said the soft-spoken Keter. 

Men’s 800m

Elias Ngeny 1:43.84

Hillary Biwot 1:44.80

Noah Kibet 1:45.11

Edwin Melly 1:45.51

Gideon Kiplimo 1:45.53

Men’s 1500m 

Vincent Keter 3:38.66

Kamati Etieng 3:39.61

Silas Kiplagat 3:40.00

Mathew Kipsang 3:40.17