Bungei backs Kenyan marathoners to shine at Paris Olympics

Former world 800m champion Wilfred Bungei has backed Kenya's marathon teams named Wednesday afternoon to shine in the upcoming Olympics in Paris, France .

Bungei said with the leadership of double champion Eliud Kipchoge who highlights the men's team, they will certainly deliver medals for the country.

Kipchoge, London Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso and Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto will fly Kenya's flag in the men's race.

“They are very good athletes, experienced and in top form now. With the guidance of the GOAT himself (Kipchoge) I'm confident they will make the country proud,” said Bungei.

The women's team has defending champion Peres Jepchirchir, former -world record holder Brigid Kosgei and two-time Boston Marathon winner Hellen Obiri.

Timothy Kiplagat and Sharon Lokedi were named as the reserves for the men's and women's teams respectively.

“For the women I'm sure of a podium sweep for sure, those are very good and experienced athletes. No competitor in other countries comes close to them,” added Bungei.

At the same time, Bungei feels Africa's fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala will bounce back stronger in Paris Olympics after struggling in the Kip Keino Classic last month where finished fifth.

“The weather that day didn’t favour him because of the wind, his body frame was a disadvantage compared to the slimmer athletes.

"What he needs to do is make sure he doesn’t run so many races before the Olympics to avoid fatigue. He should compete in only the extremely important races and I'm sure he will bounce back stronger,” Bungei advised.

Meanwhile, Omanyala is determined to see the national 4×100m team qualify for the Paris Games, through the World relay Championship in Bahamas this weekend.

Omanyala however knows they will have to avoid technical  mistakes similar to what they made at the Birmingham Commonwealth of Games, in 2022.

“It's all about trust and I don’t think that will happen again. It's all about trusting the next man and putting into practice what the coaches say and that’s done. Anybody who will be selected to compete will do it because all of us are ready. We have one goal, to make this team qualify for the Olympics," he said.

His sentiments were echoed by teammate Mark Otieno, who is keen on returning to the Olympics Games after the Tokyo heartache in the last edition. Otieno was suspended for use of prohibited substances just before competing in the 100m heats.

 “If you check over here everyone is working very hard to get to the Olympics . Half of this team we are all dad’s , so everyone is pushing to the limits not only for themselves and the country but also for their families,” he averred.

The team was in camp for 22 days including the 4×400m teams for men and women, under coach Stephen Mwaniki, who is hopeful of a good outing.

"We have perfected the whole exercise of handling the relay button and exchanges, as well as how to avoid stepping on the lines on the lane," said Mwaniki.

The six man 4×100m team is led by Ferdinand Omanyala, Mike Mokamba, Mark Otieno, Hesbon Onyango, Simon Chege and Meshack Babu.