By Debra Rono
The Kenyan track and field team has arrived in Paris for the 2024 Olympics.
Led by captain and world record holder in the 1500m, Faith Kipyegon, the team touched down in France on Tuesday morning, accompanied by athletes Mary Moraa, Timothy Cheruyoit, Brian Komen, Bernard Kibet, Lilian Odira, Vivian Chebet, Reynold Cheruyoit, Beatrice Chebet, Margaret Chelimo, Daniel Mateiko, and Nicholas Kimeli.
With the events scheduled to commence from August 1 to August 11, Kenya will make its debut in the track and field competitions, with Samuel Gathamba participating in the men’s 20KM race walk on August 1, 2024.
The Olympic program includes 48 events, featuring 23 men and women each, along with two mixed events: the 4x400m relay and the 35km mixed team race walk.
Kipyegon aims to achieve her third consecutive Olympic gold in the women’s 5,000m final on August 5 and will compete in the 1,500m round one on August 6.
The legendary Eliud Kipchoge is also poised to pursue his third Olympic title, facing off against Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele. Additionally, Mary Moraa will defend her title in the women’s 800m on Friday, August 2.
The Kenyan volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, suffered a defeat in their initial match against Brazil, with a final score of 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-13) at the South Paris Arena hall.
Malkia Strikers are scheduled to compete against the two-time Olympic bronze medalists, Poland, on Wednesday.
Additionally, Kenyan fencer Alexandra Ndolo narrowly lost 12-13 to Ukrainian Olena Kryvytska in the women’s Epee round of 32. Despite her setback, Alexandra remains determined to make a comeback on the global fencing platform.