•Rodgers Kwemoi says he does not fear the big names he will be lining up against in today's final of the men's 10,000m
•Kenya have an unenviable task of warding off a star-studded rivals' list including: world record holder Joshua Cheptegei, Jacob Kiplimo, Yomilf Kejelcha, Selemon Barega
•The pressure to break this duck notwithstanding, Kwemoi says he will be approaching the race as any other
National cross country champion Rodgers Kwemoi says he does not fear the big names he will be lining up against in Friday's final of the men's 10,000m at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Kenya's more than half a century wait for an Olympic gold in the 25-lap race has been a major talking point in the lead-up to the quadrennial Games with the burden of breaking this curse laid upon the shoulders of Kwemoi, 10km road race world record holder Rhonex Kipruto and Weldon Kipkirui.
However, the trio have an unenviable task of warding off a star-studded rivals' list including: world record holder Joshua Cheptegei; Jacob Kiplimo (both of Uganda); world silver medalist Yomilf Kejelcha; Selemon Barega (Ethiopia) and African silver medalist Aron Kifle (Eritrea).
"We have been training well and we are feeling good about ourselves. I am honoured to be competing in my first Olympics. The three of us do not fear the stature of our opponents but are here to battle for a podium finish," Kwemoi said.
Naftali Temu was the last Kenyan to clinch gold in the men's 10,000m at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, a feat many other greats, such as Paul Tergat, Paul Tanui, Bedan Karoki, Micah Kogo, Kipkemboi Kimeli and Martin Mathathi have tried to replicate unsuccessfully.
The pressure to break this duck notwithstanding, Kwemoi says he will be approaching the race as any other.
"Despite the fact that ours will be the first race on the programme, I am not under any pressure. I am used to competing in such an environment and don't mind being the one to kickstart our athletics campaign. My message to Kenyans is to keep a positive mindset and pray for us as we fight this battle," the 2016 World Under 20 10,000m champion said.
Stakes in the race have been raised by the fact that it will be first time since 1996 that an Olympic champion from the previous edition will be absent.
Great Britain's Mo Farah, who clinched gold in 2012 and 2016 at the London and Rio Olympics, failed to secure a place on the plane to Tokyo after failing to meet the 27:28 qualifying time — clocking 27:47.04 at the British Championships.
With Farah's absence, there might be a glimmer of hope for a shock win as it happened in 1964 — when American Billy Mills won the country's first and only gold in the 10,000m.
Rhonex has more than enough in his locker to announce himself on the world stage as the new kid on the block as far as this long distance race is concerned.
The 2018 World Under 20 10,000m champion replaced Geoffrey Kamworor at the last minute after the former world half marathon record holder incurred a foot injury.
Granted this glorious chance, Rhonex has vowed to give his best to secure at least a podium finish.
"Of course, I am elated to get this opportunity to represent my country in the 10,000m. I will go there to do my best and hopefully, get a medal," he said.