Peres Jepchirchir Grateful for Second Chance From Athletics Kenya After Paris Olympics Heartbreak

Peres Jepchirchir is among the women selected to represent Kenya in the marathon at the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, on September 14.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion will be joined by reigning Rotterdam marathon champion Jackline Cherono, Magdalyne Masai, and Vivian Cheruiyot, who has been named as a reserve.

Peres Jepchirchir has yet to compete this season, as she was listed for this year's edition of the London Marathon but had to withdraw due to an injury.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

The former London Marathon champion (2024) has struggled with injuries in the recent past, something that even saw her fail to defend her title at the Paris Olympic Games.

"Winning last year's London Marathon was one of the highlights of my career, and I was very much looking forward to returning this year to defend my title," Peres Jepchirchir said upon withdrawing from the London Marathon.

"Unfortunately, my injury has made this impossible, but I am focused on getting healthy again and hope to return to London in the future when I'm fully fit."

Peres Jepchirchir revealed that it was an honour to be included in the team, and this will mark the first time she will be competing at the World Championships.

Jepchirchir has sweet memories in Tokyo, since that was the city where she won her first Olympic gold medal at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Games. In the race, the 31-year-old beat fellow Kenyan and former world marathon record-holder Brigid Kosgei.

However, at the Paris Olympic Games, Peres Jepchirchir could only afford a 14th-place finish, something that makes her feel honoured to still be included in the Kenyan team despite that performance.

"I am happy with the confidence the Kenyan selectors have had in me despite the disappointment in the Paris Olympics. It's my first time to compete in the World Championships, and I'm looking forward to it," Peres Jepchirchir told AFP.

She is aware of the tough competition awaiting her, especially from Ethiopians, with Tigst Assefa, the former world record holder, also being included in the team after snubbing the Berlin Marathon, according to reports.

Sifan Hassan, the reigning Olympic champion, has not declared the distance she will compete in, but there is no doubt that she will be out to traumatise her opponents one more time.

"We know Ethiopia have selected a strong team and they're the defending champions. But I believe in the Kenya team and I pray God will give us health and strength that day to face them," Peres Jepchirchir said.

Kenya’s men’s team will be spearheaded by Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich, who clocked an impressive 2:03:13 on his marathon debut at the 2023 Berlin Marathon, finishing second behind Eliud Kipchoge.

Erick Kiplangat Sang, Kennedy Kimutai, and Hillary Kipkoech (reserve) will join him. Notably, Eliud Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic gold medallist, will not feature in the Tokyo race.