Athletics Kenya unveils Kenya's 10,000m team to Paris Olympics

It’s all systems go as two-time World cross country champion Beatrice Chebet and Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon champion Daniel Mateiko have been selected as headliners for Kenya’s 10,000m team to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Chebet and Mateiko automatically made the team after winning the 25-lap race at the Prefontaine Classic, the Diamond League Meeting in Eugene, which were also used as the trials for Team Kenya’s 10,000m.

Chebet clocked a stunning world record time of 28:54.14 to win the race ahead of Ethiopian maestro Gudaf Tsegay who came in second in a personal best time. Lilian Kasait, the world cross country silver medallist completed the podium.

Kasait has also made the cut to the Olympic team with her automatic second-place finish as a Kenyan with Margaret Chelimo, the world cross country bronze medallist, being selected as the third athlete.

Follow the Pulse Sports Kenya X (Twitter) handle for more news.

Meanwhile, it was evident that in the men, Mateiko would be in the team and he would be joined by Nicholas Kimeli. However, there was uncertainty about the third athlete, considering Daniel Simiu was seen as a favourite to win Kenya a medal.

However, at the Prefontaine Classic, Simiu stumbled and could not make it to the podium. Bernard Kibet, the athlete who finished third at the event, has been selected to round up the top three athletes.

Speaking during the team naming ceremony, Athletics Kenya president Jack Tuwei explained that Chebet has defied all odds to become one of the greatest female runners in the world. He explained that for her world record, the federation has written to the ministry to ensure that the Commonwealth Games 5000m champion is feted.

“I want to thank my senior vice president who has been organising everything from the marathon to the 10,000m and even the trials that are coming up.

“Chebet normally trains somewhere in Rift Valley and I think she is an upcoming athlete who has done very well. We have made that story that has been forwarded to the ministry for the normal awards.

“I want to hand over the names on paper to NOC-K but we shall hand them over physically on Saturday,” Tuwei said.