Saruni throws jibe at AK after Olympics qualification

Former 600m Indoor world record holder Michael Saruni says finishing first in the men's 800m race at the just concluded Athletics Kenya (AK) Olympics trials was the only way he could be assured of competing at the Tokyo Games. 

The 26-year old was pushed by more than just the desire to see his dream of being at the Olympics come true, as the fear of history repeating itself played a part in his brilliant race for top place clocking 1:45.81 in a crowded final. 

"This has been my dream, representing the country on the international stage and what better way to do it but qualifying for the Olympics. This is the biggest stage any athlete dreams of competing on and a childhood dream for me. Finishing first was very important for me as this is Kenya and we know anything can happen and you find yourself out of the team despite qualification, and someone who finished even sixth given the chance you deserve," said Saruni.

The US-based athlete was speaking from experience as in 2017 he missed an opportunity to represent Kenya at the London World Championships despite finishing third at the national trials. 

AK went back on their words that the top three finishers at the trials would gain automatic qualification to the Championships and as if that was not enough, the federation flouted IAAF ( Word Athletics now) policies on the wild card rule, eventually leaving out Saruni. 

Two-time Olympics and world 800m champion David Rudisha, who had not participated at the trials but was the defending champion and 2016 IAAF Diamond League winner Ferguson Rotich, who had finished fourth at the trials were instead picked for the 800m squad alongside US-based Emmanuel Korir and Kipyegon Bett. 

The IAAF qualification system and entry standards read: “The IAAF will accept the participation of the current Reigning World Outdoor Champion and that of the Winner of the 2016 IAAF Diamond League (in the corresponding World Championships event) and Hammer Throw Challenge, as wild cards, in each individual event, on the condition that the athlete in question is entered by his federation. If both are from the same country, only one of the two can be entered with this wild card. If a member federation has four athletes in one event as a result of this regulation, all four will be permitted to compete.”

At the just-concluded Olympics trials, Saruni beat world 800m bronze medalist Rotich who finished second in 1:45.93 while Saruni's teammate Korir finished third in 1:46.05

Coach Paul Ereng who has handled the US-based duo since their college days at the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) Miners was elated to have the two qualifying for the Summer Games. 

"What happened to Saruni in 2017 was very unfortunate that is why it was so important for him to win this race. We have worked hard for this moment and I am confident he has what it takes to carry the day in Tokyo," said the 1988, 800m Olympic champion. 

It will be the first Olympic Games for both Korir and Saruni. At UTEP for one season in 2017 before turning pro, Korir won the Indoor and Outdoor NCAA National Championship in the 800 in his lone season with the Miners.

Saruni ran two seasons for the Miners in 2017 and 2018, breaking the collegiate record in the 800, and winning the 2018 Indoor National Championship in that event. Saruni could have won more national titles at UTEP, if not for a series of mishaps at the NCAA championships. He turned pro after the 2018 season. Both men still train in El Paso.

Saruni will focus solely on the 800 in Tokyo, but Korir says he might double up and run both the 400 and the 800 just like he did at the 2019 World Championships.