The announcement of the Kenyan team for Beijing in the Olympic marathon was made in Nairobi earlier this morning. Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot was rewarded for his commanding Boston win, and London stars, Martin Lel and Samuel Wanjiru with World Champ Luke Kibet and William Kipsang, the Rotterdam winner as reserves.
A great team for Kenya! However, the marathon in the Olympics is a strange bird, and it requires a certain amount of luck as well as different skills than winning a big city race. We shall see how this team fares in Beijing!
EME NEWS (APR 23, 2008) FLASH
Kenyan Marathon Team named
NAIROBI (KEN): No surprises in Kenyan marathon Olympic team which was announced today by Athletics Kenya. Men trio is as expected Boston winner Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot and top two from London Martin Lel and Samuel Wanjiru. As reserves were named world champion Luke Kibet and Rotterdam winner William Kipsang. Reigning world champion Catherine Ndereba leads the women part with fourth from London Salina Kosgei and Paris winner Martha Komu. Here the reserve is third from Boston Rita Jeptoo. For Kipkoech Cheruiyot first ever appearance in Kenyan vest at global stage. Except of Ndereba all will debut at Olympic Games.
Interestingly Kenya never won olympic marathon gold so far. Three silvers by Douglas Wakiihuri in 1988, Eric Wainaina in 2000 and Catherine Ndereba in 2004 is the best achievement.
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