Kenyan-born American long-distance runner breaks silence after missing out on Olympic ticket

ATHLETICS Kenyan-born American long-distance runner breaks silence after missing out on Olympic ticket

Abigael Wafula 11:04 - 08.02.2024

Kenyan-born American marathoner Paul Chelimo has spoken for the first time since failing to finish the race at the US Olympic marathon trials.

Kenyan-born American Paul Chelimo has spoken after a quite disappointing outing at the US Olympic Marathon trials where he was making his full marathon debut.

Chelimo, just like any other athlete was hoping to make the Olympic team in the marathon but unfortunately missed out on the coveted ticket.

The Olympic 5000m bronze medallist started off the race looking poised and ready for top honours but unfortunately fizzled out with about 12km to go.

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In a post on his Instagram stories, the former Olympic 5000m silver medallist admitted that he did not expect such a debut but promised to come back stronger. He also lauded his compatriots for making the Olympic team.

“Not how I envisioned my debut to go but confident the best three made the team. Congratulations to Conner, Clayton, and Lenny.

“As you all saw, dropped out at around 30km when I was positive I was no longer making the team to preserve the legs.

“I look forward to coming back to the marathon but there is unfinished business in the 10km. And thank you all for cheering and supporting. The crowd was amazing,” he said.

Meanwhile, the men’s race was dominated by Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, and Leonard Korir who took the first three places in respective times of 2:09:05, 2:09:06, and 2:09:57.

The women’s race saw Fiona O’Keeffe claim top honours in 2:22:10 to automatically make the Olympic team.

Emily Sisson finished second in 2:22:42 as Dakotah Lindwurm completed the podium in 2:25:31. Kenyan-born Americans Betsy Saina and Aliphine Tuliamuk failed to finish the races too.

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