Kenya eyeing medals as track and field begin in Tokyo

Kenya will be eyeing her first medal at the Tokyo Olympics when the track and field action gets underway on Friday at the Olympic Stadium.

The men’s 10,000m final will be held at 2.30pm with Rodgers Kwemoi, Weldon Langat and Rhonex Kipruto looking to end Kenya’s 53 year-wait for a gold medal at the Olympics.

Kennedy Tanui, Kenya’s assistant team manager is hopeful the trio will open Kenya’s medal account at the Tokyo Games tomorrow.

“Despite the fact that Kamworor is not in the team because of injury, we got a very suitable replacement that is Rhonex Kipruto who is ranked sixth in the world,” said Tanui.

The TM is also optimistic Kwemoi will fly Kenya’s flag in style, running in Japan’s capital where he works and lives.

“This is Rodgers Kwemoi’s stadium, this is home for him because he works here in Japan so weather should not be a problem for him and he is ready to give his Tokyo fans a world class race,” said Tanui.

Tanui is also chuffed that Langat is now fully fit and raring to go, hence the trio can put up a good team work against the perennial rivals.

“We also have Weldon who is now fit after the thorough training in Nairobi before travelling to Japan,” he said.

Prior to the 10,000m final, the men’s 3000m steeplechase heats will get the athletics action underway at 3.30am with Leonard Bett, Abraham Kibiwott and Benjamin Kigen looking to secure their slots in the final.

The trio of Eunice Sum, Mary Moraa and Emily Cherotich will get to action at 4.25am in the women’s 800m heats.

Hellen Obiri, Lilian Kasait and Agnes Tirop will battle it out in the women’s 5000m heats at 1pm.