• The seasoned coach also hinted at the possibility of a new world record at the Olympics, emphasizing the tough competition from other nations.
• Kirwa stated that final team selection will be based on current world rankings by time, ensuring only the top three athletes from each category make the cut.
National team coach Julius Kirwa is bullish about Kenya's prospects in the marathon at the upcoming Paris Olympics following an outstanding performance at the London Marathon on Sunday.
Peres Jepchirchir and Alexander Munyao clinched the men's and women's titles in London.
Jepchirchir clocked 2:16:16 to set a new women-only world record with Munyao claiming victory in 2:04:01 in the men's event.
Kirwa is optimistic Kenya will shine even brighter in Paris should the course and weather be favourable.
“Should the weather and course be favourable to our athletes, we expect an even better performance in Paris. London was a clear indication that our athletes are ready to conquer the Olympics,” he noted.
The seasoned coach also hinted at the possibility of a new world record at the Olympics, emphasising the tough competition from other nations.
“The field in Paris will be tough. There are champions from different countries. There might be a possibility of a new World record,” he added.
Despite the confidence, Kirwa cautioned against underestimating other competing nations.
"We will not underestimate any team. Ethiopia, Uganda, South Africa and Morocco all have top athletes; capable of pulling upsets,” Kirwa stated.
The tactician said the current marathon team of six women and five men began immediately after they were selected by AK.
“The athletes have been training at their respective camps but will move to the Eldoret training camp for intensive training soon. The coaches are already there making sure things are running smoothly,” he stated.
The female team has defending champion Jepchirchir, Brigid Kosgei, Ruth Chepngetich, Rosemary Wanjiru, Hellen Obiri and Sharon Lokedi.
The men’s team has defending champion Eliud Kipchoge, Benson Kipruto, Timothy Kiplagat, Munyao and Vincent Ngetich.
Kirwa stated that final team selection will be based on current world rankings by time to ensure only the top three athletes from each category make the cut.
“The selection criteria for the final three will be done according to the athletes' world rankings. The top-ranked athletes according to their times will make the cut,” he noted.
Two-time Olympic champion Kipchoge sits second in the world ranking with 2:00:35 clocked during the 2023 Chicago marathon.
Kipruto is fifth on the list with a time of 2:02:16 set during the Tokyo Marathon in March with Kiplagat seventh with a time of 2:02:55 set also in Tokyo.
Munyao’s time of 2:03:11 set at the 2023 Valencia Marathon has him in position 13 with Ngetich in position 14 with 2:03:13 set at the 2023 Berlin Marathon.
In the women’s event, Kosgei has a personal best (PB) of 2:14:04 set at the 2019 Chicago Marathon while Chepngetich's PB is 2:14:18 also set in 2022 at the same venue.
Jepchirchir's PB is 2:16:16 set in London last weekend while Wanjiru boosts a 2:16:14 PB set at the Tokyo Marathon in March this year.
Obiri's PB is 2:21:38 set at the 2023 Boston Marathon whereas Lokedi has a PB of 2:23:23 set at the 2022 New York Marathon. A panel of nine judges will oversee the final selection process to ensure fairness.
“A panel of nine judges will sit and deliberate on the final team of three athletes from both genders,” Kirwa added.
He urged Kenyans to rally behind the team, saying, “Let's support our athletes as they prepare to conquer Paris.”