Paris Olympics: Jepchirchir counting on faith, team work to retain title

London marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir is approaching the Paris Olympics with a steadfast reliance on her faith in God.

The 30-year-old finds solace and strength in her spiritual beliefs as she prepares to fly the country’s flag high in Paris.

She will headline a strong contingent that includes Sharon Lokedi and two-time Boston Marathon winner Hellen Obiri.

Lokedi was set to travel with the team as a reserve, but an exit by former world record holder and reigning silver medalist Brigid Kosgei, citing an injury, gave her a lifetime opportunity.

Jepchirchir noted that the team was confident of delivering impressive results. She emphasized the importance of teamwork in making the dream come true.

“I want to thank AK and NOC-K for supporting us. I know it was not easy, but they managed. To my team, I want to wish them all the best. On behalf of the team, we thank God for being there again. It's not easy. We are going to work as a team,” she said.

The reigning champion is hopeful that she will defend her title in the French capital.

She is motivated by her 2024 London Marathon triumph, where she smashed the women’s only world record in two hours, 16 minutes, and 16 seconds.

“We pray and hope that we will run well. We are not going to run for ourselves; we are doing this for Kenya. Pray for us and support us. We will do our best. The team is strong. I pray and hope that God will do it for us. I pray that he gives us strength. I am not celebrating because the bigger task awaits,” she averred.

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Jepchirchir won two World Half Marathon victories in 2016 and 2020.

Her sleek form went on when she stormed to victory in the 2021 New York City and 2022 Boston Marathon titles before ending her season with a third place at the 2023 London Marathon.

The women’s Olympic race, slated for August 11, will cover a 42,195-km loop linking Paris and Versailles.

The marathon will begin at the Hôtel de Ville in Paris and end at Les Invalides, passing through nine districts, including Paris—Boulogne-Billancourt, Sèvres, Ville d’Avray, Versailles, Viroflay, Chaville, Meudon, and Issy-les-Moulineaux.

Close to 10,500 athletes representing 205 nations are expected in Paris, where they will compete in 32 sporting disciplines featuring 329 events.

Kenya will be represented in six sports: athletics, rugby sevens, judo, fencing, volleyball, and swimming.