US-based Kenyan couple shines at Olympic pre-trials in Nyayo

Kenyan couple Edward Cheserek and Sharon Lodeki who are based in the USA are targeting to represent Kenya at this summer’s Olympic Games after an impressive show at the Olympic pre-trials on Thursday.

The pair ran the show in 10,000m as the event entered its penultimate day at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Cheserek won the first heat in the men’s 10,000m after clocking 28:10.41 beating Edwin Koros (28:13.38) and Hillary Mosop (28:42.23) to second and third respectively.

On her part, Lodeki won the women’s 10,000m final in 31:43.34 ahead of Sandrafelis Chebet who finished second in 31:47.29 as Nancy Jelagat rounded out the podium in 31:49.92.

Having already attained Olympic qualification standards, the duo who reside in the state of Arizona have been in Kenya since March said they are now gearing for Kenya’s Olympics trials set for June 17-19.

“I just came in wanting to race and with a mile to go I felt good and thus I kept going. I have already attained Olympic qualification time and I am hoping to land an invitation for the main trials,” said Lodeki.

The Kapkenda Girls alumnus added, “Most of my teammates in the US have already qualified for trials and I am hopeful I can compete here at home and qualify for Tokyo Games.”

Cheserek, who has a personal best of 27:23.58 in 10,000m, an opportunity to represent his native country at the Olympics is still his dream despite relocating to the US a decade ago.

“I have attained qualification standards in both 5000m and 10000m and it will be an honour to represent Kenya at the Olympics. I am now stepping my preparations in Kaptagat ahead of trials that will be held next month,” said Cheserek who boasts of a personal best of 13:04.44 in 5000m.

Elsewhere, Peter Mwai won the men’s 200m after clocking 20.85 seconds as Maureen Thomas reigned supreme in the corresponding women’s race in 24.69 seconds.

Caroline Cherotich was the winner in the women’s discus with a throw of 47.53m while Charles Kipkemoi was the hero in the men’s event with a throw of 48.66m.

Martha Musai took the top honours in the women’s javelin throw with 49.39m ahead of Dorothy Chepngetich (44m) and Jane Jepleting (42.96).

National 400m champion Mary Moraa stormed to 800m finals after winning her semi-final duel in 2:01.82 as Collins Kipruto took his semis encounter in 1:45.84

The three-day event comes to a close on Saturday.