Returning Kwemoi, Krop bag Paris tickets in 5000m
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 15.06.24. | 11:29
In an unfortunate turn of events, world silver medalist, Ebenyo will miss the Games
2014 Commonwealth Games 1500m silver medalist Ronald Kwemoi has bagged his Olympics slot after winning the 5000m race at the Athletics Kenya (AK) national trials at Nyayo Stadium.
The 28-year old who has been out of action for two seasons nursing a nagging hamstring injury ran a tactical race, keeping close to the leading pack that stayed together for longer than expected, only kicking after the bell to clock 13:27.20 for the win.
Ronald Kwemoi wins 5000m race in 13.27.19 with Jacob Krop placing 2nd. Race got exciting in final lap.
— Warothe Kiru (@warothe) June 15, 2024
Kenya has only ever won 5k Olympic gold once in 1988 through John Ngugi.
Last 5 gold medalists - Hicham, Kenenisa, Mo Farah, UG's Cheptegei.
#TeamKenya #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/3mpbN2TI47
He finished ahead of world bronze medalist Jacob Krop who clocked 13:27.54 to book the second automatic slot to the Summer Games as Edwin Kurgat completed the podium places in 13:27.75 to have his fate hang with the selectors.
"I kept away for two years due to the injury but I am happy to qualify. I know it is a tough task ahead but I will prepare to face all the favourites. Making team Kenya to the Games again since Rio is what I was aiming for and u couldn't be happier," Kwemoi said.
Krop, on his part is elated as he prepares to make his debut at the Games and believes his new training ground will play a part in his quest for the title.
"I am happy and ready for the task ahead. To deliver for Kenya, it will, however, require teamwork and a game plan as the opponents are tough. My training in Japan has been well and it has helped me get better. I am confident we will bring back glory," Krop said.
In a sad twist of event, Daniel Ebenyo, who missed out on the 10,000m squad, having finished eighth during the trials, opted out of the 5000m trials and thus will not be in Paris.
Kenya has missed out on gold in the distance since the first and only, in 1988, Seoul when John Ngugi won in 13:11.70.
Paul Bitok came close, winning back-to-back silvers in 1992 and 1996, so did Eliud Kipchoge in 2008. Kenya's last medal in the distance at the Games dates back to 2012 when Thomas Longosiwa settled for bronze behind Mo Farah and Dejen Gebremeskel.
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MEN'S 5000m RESULTS
1. Ronald Kwemoi. 13:27.20
2. Jacob Krop. 13.27.54
3. Edwin Kurgat. 13:27.75
4.Emmanuel Kiplagat 13:28.09
5.Cornelius Kemboi. 13:29.73
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