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World 10,000m record holder Beatrice Chebet has revealed how fears of favouritism fueled her desire to seek her Olympics 5,000m ticket on the track despite experiencing fatigue.
World 10,000m record holder Beatrice Chebet has revealed that she was keen to feature in the 5,000m Olympic trials to avoid claims of corruption had she been selected in another way.
Chebet was first on the track at the two-day trials at Nyayo Stadium and secured her ticket after finishing second in 14:52.55 behind world champion Faith Kipyegon who clocked 14:46.28 on Friday.
With the first two earning direct Olympics tickets, Margaret Chelimo, who was third at the trials, will hope to be the third runner to compete the lineup.
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18:32 - 14.06.2024
Faith Kipyegon fires warning to Ethiopian rivals as she makes bold 5000m Olympic prediction
Multiple world and Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon has fired a warning shot to Kenya’s main 5,000m rivals Ethiopia after clinching her ticket to Paris alongside Beatrice Chebet.
Chebet, who had already hit the qualifying mark, admitted it was tough turning up for the trials as she is still recovering from her record-breaking performance at the Prefontaine Classic two weeks ago but did not want a free ticket which would have fueled corruption claims.
“It has not been easy because two weeks ago I run the 10,000m at Prefontaine Classic and going with the world record pace is not easy,” Chebet said on Friday.
“The body is still tired, I felt I was not in good championship form due to a lot of fatigue but I decided to come and run not to be given a free slot in 5,000m.
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10:45 - 14.06.2024
Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet to fly Kenya's 5,000m flag at Paris Olympics
Multiple world champion Faith Kipyegon kept her dream of doubling at te Olympics alive as she sealed her 5,000m ticket in style followed by Beatrice Chebet.
“It was good to come and compete so that there are no claims of corruption, people saying ‘they gave you a free ticket’.”
Athletics Kenya had made it clear that all athletes seeking to feature at the Olympics must turn up at the trials even if they have hit the qualifying standard with the first two across the line earning direct tickets.
The third athlete is, however, to be decided by a panel of selectors who will consider a number of factors, such as form or time before settling on the name.
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17:30 - 14.06.2024
Moraa's fate hangs in the balance as Athletics Kenya makes decision on Olympics 800m team
The 800m runner is keeping her fingers crossed following a dramatic race at the Olympics trials on Friday.
With that hurdle behind her, Chebet is now plotting how she will navigate the challenge ahead, given she is set to double in both 5,000m and 10,000m at the Olympics.
The two-time World Cross-Country champion is, however, confident that she will hack both races.
“5,000m race will be coming first and I will focus on it then 10,000m. I know everything will go well because there are some athletes who have doubled so whom I am I not to double?” she posed.
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13:45 - 14.06.2024
Ferdinand Omanyala reveals his main time target before Olympics after strolling to 100m final at trials
Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala has explained the time targets he is looking at before heading to the Paris Olympics.
“Everything is about trying and I know I will do my best. My target is to be on the podium.”
Chebet is undefeated this year after starting by retaining her World Cross-Country title in Belgrade, Serbia in March before victories at the Doha and Eugene (Prefontaine Classic) Diamond Leagues, the latter at which he broke the 10,000m world record.
This will be the first Olympics for the 23-year-old who won silver and bronze medals in 5,000m at the last two World Championships.
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