Paris Olympics: Can Lokedi pull a Tola to deliver on Team Kenya debut?
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 11.08.24. | 06:40
She says friendship will play a huge role in helping the Kenyan trio deliver
The 2022 New York City Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi will surely hope the 'gods' of Tamirat Tola are with her on Sunday when she lines up for the Paris Olympics marathon.
Ethiopia's Tola, a late inclusion to the Ethiopian team after Sisay Lemma withdrew due to injury, stunned a star-studded field in the men's marathon to not only win but break Samuel Wanjiru's Games record in one of the most brutal courses.
Just like the Ethiopian champion, Lokedi was a late inclusion in Team Kenya's women's squad following the withdrawal of former world record holder Brigid Kosgei due to similar fears.
But the USA-based Lokedi is not banking on divine intervention alone. On her debut in the classic distance, she triumphed in 2:23:23, beating Kenyan-born Israeli Lorna Salpeter and Gotytom Gebreslase.
Hellen Obiri, another Team Kenya gold prospect in Paris made her debut finishing sixth.
"Competing for Team Kenya is an opportunity like no other and I am going to use it as much as I can and just enjoy it, have fun. I want to represent my country and do well. I am really looking forward to this,” Pulse Sports reports.
She continued, “It has not been easy, I have worked so hard and every time I am not there. I did try when I was running track and I never got in and I tried on the road and now the challenge is here, the highest level of running you can be at and it is just an honour to be here and to compete."
Lokedi who went on to finish third on her return to New York in 2023 and settled for silver in Boston this year, finishing behind Obiri and ahead of Edna Kiplagat to be named as the reserve athlete for Team Kenya to Paris.
She says friendship will play a huge role in helping the Kenyan trio deliver.
"We are all very excited and just want to get out there and compete. Work together and show our strength. There is nothing better than friendships and working together as a team," Lokedi who will not only have Obiri but defending champion Peres Jepchirchir for company opens up.
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