Peerless Kamworor punches Olympic ticket with masterful display in Kenya's trials

Former Half Marathon World record holder Geoffrey Kamworor returned to the tracks on Friday and booked his Olympic tickets by breezing to an easy victory in the men 10,000m at Athletics Kenya's trials at Kasarani stadium.

The 28 year-old hailed as a master of all surfaces for his prowess on the tracks, the roads as well as country having claimed numerous of medals in the course of a career spanning junior years to his current rank, flashed his trademark salute in the final straight and punched the air three times after crossing the finish line in 27:01.6

Challenging for just two tickets alongside thirty three other contenders including Rhonex Kipruto and Rodgers Kwemoi who have clocked sub twenty six minutes over the distance, Kamworor went into the race ranked 6th among the 34 participants showed grit and determination to take victory with good 30-meter buffer between him and the second-placed Kwemoi.

The national Cross Country champion was happy to canter across the line second and book the other automatic ticket to Tokyo leaving the rest at the mercy of Athletics Kenya selectors who own the privilege of picking Kenya's 3rd representative.

After 18 minutes of front racing, exchanging leads amongst themselves, race favourite Kipruto who was the fastest on paper, in the field, found the going tough and dropped out. 

At the bell, Kwemoi was perfectly positioned on Kamworor's shoulder but latter unleashed a strong finishing kick at the 200m bend to create a gap that allowed him to even glance at the stands and salute Deputy President William Ruto and a host of dignitaries who gave him a standing ovation as he strolled home in 27:01.06. Kwemoi clocked 27:05.51 while Weldon Lagat was third in 27:24.73 which is well within the Olympics qualifying standard. Collins Koros managed 27:27.98 for fourth place.

" It is a great day and I am happy for making team. Heading to the Olympics, I know there are interesting things coming my way and the entire team given the times we have posted her. I have always said I am looking for the only medal missing in my cabinet and despite the stiff competition expected in Tokyo we will fight to bring the medals home," said an elated Kamworor. 

On his part, Kwemoi believes team work will give Kenya a better chance at that elusive gold. 

"I am grateful for the slot, it was a good race and the times we have posted point to a good chance at medaling in Tokyo. We go back to training and push hard as a team knowing the competition will not be easy," said Kwemoi. 

Meanwhile, Samuel Gathimba who won the men's 20km walking race and has already qualified for the Olympics believes his experience in Rio has prepared him for a better showing in Tokyo. 

"It was a tough race given the weather in the morning but as we progressed it got better and I finished the race strong and that gives me confidence ahead of the Olympics. The prevailing Covid-19 situation has made it hard for all of us but we just have to keep going. In 2016, we ended up not finishing the race after some confusion in the last 500m but now I know better and I'll be gunning for a podium finish," said Gathimba.